EU Institutions Reach Provisional Agreement on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs)
On 3 December, the EU Presidency and European Parliament concluded negotiations on a long-awaited regulation for new genomic techniques (NGTs) in plant breeding. The agreement introduces a differentiated framework intended to balance innovation, sustainability, and market access.
Key provisions include:
- Two-tier classification:
- Category 1: NGT plants deemed equivalent to conventional breeding, exempt from GMO legislation.
- Category 2: More complex modifications subject to GMO rules, authorisation, traceability, and labelling.
- Labelling rules: NGT-1 plants will not be labelled (except seeds), while NGT-2 plants will carry stricter requirements.
- Patent transparency: Applicants must disclose existing or pending patents; safeguards aim to prevent market concentration and ensure fair access.
- Governance: A patent monitoring group and EU code of conduct will oversee licensing practices and breeder access.
- Exclusions: NGTs remain prohibited in organic food production; member states may opt out of cultivating Category 2 plants.
This agreement marks a significant step in shaping Europe’s biotechnology policy, with implications for farmers, breeders, and the wider agrifood sector. While industry stakeholders welcome the enabling framework, environmental groups caution against risks of dependency on large agrochemical companies.
Source: Council, Parliament agree on long-awaited regulation for new genomic techniques | Science|Business