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Brussels, |
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New developments in biotechnology
The EU’s policy on new developments in biotechnology focuses mainly on new genomic techniques (NGTs), a group of newer methods that can alter genetic material more precisely and more quickly than conventional breeding or older genomic techniques. The Commission presents these techniques as potentially useful for making the agri-food system more sustainable, resilient and competitive, for example by helping develop plants that are more climate-resilient, pest-resistant, or less dependent on fertilisers and pesticides.
A key point is that, under current EU law, plants obtained through NGTs are still subject to GMO legislation, even though the Commission argues that the existing rules were designed in the early 2000s and no longer reflect scientific and technological progress. For that reason, the EU has proposed a new legislative framework specifically for certain NGT plants, especially those produced through targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis.
The proposed approach creates two categories. Category 1 NGT plants, considered comparable to plants that could occur naturally or through conventional breeding, would follow a lighter regime based mainly on notification and transparency rules rather than the full GMO framework. Category 2 NGT plants, which involve more complex modifications, would remain under GMO legislation, although with some adapted rules on risk assessment, monitoring, and detection methods.
Overall, the policy aims to balance innovation and safety. The Commission’s stated objectives are to maintain a high level of protection for health and the environment, support sustainability in the agri-food chain, and create a more workable environment for research and innovation, including for SMEs. The file is also linked to broader EU goals such as the Farm to Fork strategy, the Biodiversity strategy, and the wider effort to strengthen the resilience of the food and agricultural sector.
A key point is that, under current EU law, plants obtained through NGTs are still subject to GMO legislation, even though the Commission argues that the existing rules were designed in the early 2000s and no longer reflect scientific and technological progress. For that reason, the EU has proposed a new legislative framework specifically for certain NGT plants, especially those produced through targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis.
The proposed approach creates two categories. Category 1 NGT plants, considered comparable to plants that could occur naturally or through conventional breeding, would follow a lighter regime based mainly on notification and transparency rules rather than the full GMO framework. Category 2 NGT plants, which involve more complex modifications, would remain under GMO legislation, although with some adapted rules on risk assessment, monitoring, and detection methods.
Overall, the policy aims to balance innovation and safety. The Commission’s stated objectives are to maintain a high level of protection for health and the environment, support sustainability in the agri-food chain, and create a more workable environment for research and innovation, including for SMEs. The file is also linked to broader EU goals such as the Farm to Fork strategy, the Biodiversity strategy, and the wider effort to strengthen the resilience of the food and agricultural sector.
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