In a significant development for the European agriculture industry, key industry groups have lauded the recent agreement on a proposed regulation for new genomic techniques (NGTs) such as gene editing. The agreement, reached by the EU presidency, the Danish presidency, and the European Parliament, has been hailed as a balanced compromise that advances EU competitiveness in sustainable agriculture and food and feed innovation.
COCERAL, FEDIOL, and FEFAC, representing various sectors of the European agriculture industry, released a joint statement praising the successful conclusion of the trilogue negotiations on the draft regulation. They highlighted that NGTs offer the potential to create desirable traits in crops more rapidly than traditional breeding methods. These traits include drought resistance, pest and disease immunity, enhanced nutritional content, and reduced need for chemicals.
“The agreement represents a balanced compromise that advances EU competitiveness in sustainable agriculture and food and feed innovation, while addressing environmental challenges and contributing to global food security,” the groups stated. They particularly commended the efforts of the Danish Presidency and the European Parliament in achieving a workable framework for the development and distribution of NGT plants and their products.
One of the key aspects of the provisional agreement is the exclusion of mandatory labeling and traceability requirements for Category 1 NGT plants and products. The organizations emphasized that this exclusion prevents discriminatory treatment between Category 1 NGT plants, considered conventional-like, and conventional plants. It also maintains global trade flows by avoiding unjustified and unrealistic segregations, ensuring that the regulatory framework does not undermine the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties adapted to EU production needs.
The organizations called on the European Parliament and Council to rapidly adopt this provisional agreement, enabling swift implementation and providing the predictability that EU food and feed sectors and farmers need to benefit from NGT innovation.
For the agritech sector, this agreement opens up significant opportunities. The ability to develop and distribute NGT plants without the burden of mandatory labeling and traceability requirements can accelerate innovation and adoption of new, more resilient crop varieties. This can lead to increased productivity, improved sustainability, and enhanced global competitiveness for European agriculture.
Investors, too, stand to benefit from this regulatory clarity. The predictability provided by the agreement can encourage investment in agritech startups and established companies working on NGTs. It signals a supportive regulatory environment that values innovation and sustainability, making the EU an attractive market for agritech investments.
In conclusion, the agreement on the regulation of NGTs marks a pivotal moment for the European agriculture industry. By fostering innovation and providing a clear regulatory framework, it sets the stage for enhanced competitiveness, sustainability, and global food security. The swift adoption and implementation of this agreement will be crucial in realizing these benefits for the agritech sector and investors alike.