Key Takeaways
- European Parliament’s approval of NGT legislation amendments marks a pivotal moment for agricultural innovation.
- Vote results show a divided stance among MEPs, with significant support and opposition across political groups.
- Legislation introduces two NGT categories, mandates product labeling, and proposes a patent ban to protect farmers.
- Cibus, Inc. applauds the Parliament’s decision, emphasizing the importance of science-based regulatory advancements.
European Parliament On NGT Vote Amid Tight Deadline
On 7 February, amidst pressing time constraints, the European Parliament passed amendments to the controversial New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) legislation. The vote concluded with 307 in favor, 263 against, and 41 abstentions, showcasing a broad but divided support for establishing a new regulatory framework for NGTs, previously governed under stricter GMO guidelines.
Political Divisions and Legislative Details
The legislative decision saw support primarily from the European People’s Party (EPP) and the Renew group, while the Greens and the Left expressed near-unanimous opposition. Notably, votes from the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) were split, often along geographic lines, underscoring the nuanced debate over NGTs within the EU.
The approved legislation delineates two categories of NGTs, aiming to simplify regulation for gene-edited plants akin to those achieved through conventional breeding while imposing stricter guidelines for more complex modifications. Additionally, MEPs advocated for mandatory labeling of all NGT-derived products, diverging from the Commission’s proposal, and agreed on a comprehensive ban on patents for NGTs to alleviate legal and financial pressures on farmers.
Cibus, Inc. Reacts to Parliamentary Vote
Cibus, Inc., a leading agricultural technology firm, heralded the European Parliament’s vote as a significant stride towards embracing scientific innovation in agriculture. “The parliamentary vote is a significant milestone in the EU legislative process, providing a welcome boost to innovators, particularly in academia and small and mid-sized enterprises developing NGT products that can contribute to a sustainable EU agri-food system,” remarked Tony Moran, Senior Vice President of International Development and Government Affairs at Cibus.
Rory Riggs, CEO Rory Cibus further highlighted the vote’s global significance, stating, “This is a pivotal moment in the development of a sustainable global food supply system. The promise of gene editing is its ability to address major challenges of farming, such as disease, insects, and a globally changing environment, with greater speed and precision with traits that are indistinguishable from conventional breeding. This vote continues a global alignment to regulate certain gene editing applications as conventional and to enable this revolution to help farmers.”
Challenges and Responses Ahead
Following the Parliament’s decision, the EU Council’s efforts to reach a consensus on NGT patentability indicate persisting divisions among member states. The outcome of these negotiations will be critical in shaping the future of NGT regulation in the EU, with implications for innovation, trade, and sustainability in European agriculture.
The industry’s reaction has been largely positive, with organizations like Euroseeds COPA, and COGECA lauding the vote as a victory for agricultural progress. Conversely, environmental NGOs remain cautious, with some criticizing the potential environmental impacts and advocating for stricter controls on NGT applications.
EU Parliament Recent News
Reject Proposal To Reduce Pesticide Use (2023/11/23)
On November 21, the EU Parliament rejected a Commission proposal on the sustainable use of plant protection products. The proposal was intended to reduce the environmental footprint of the EU’s food system. The Council’s decision will determine whether the proposal will be definitively rejected or returned to Parliament for a second reading.
MEPs Advocate for Drastic Reduction in Chemical Pesticide Use by 2030 (2023/10/25)
The EU Parliament has adopted a resolution for a significant reduction in chemical pesticides by 2030. The EU will reduce the use of chemical plant protection products by at least 50% and use more hazardous products by 65% compared to the 2013-2017 average. Member states must adopt national targets and strategies based on substances sold per year, hazard level, and agricultural area. Crop-specific rules will be implemented for at least five crops. MEPs propose to ban chemical pesticides in sensitive areas, except those authorized for organic farming and biological control. Chemical pesticides should only be used as a last resort, and the Commission should set an EU 2030 target for increasing the sales of low-risk pesticides. The Commission will examine pesticide use on imported agricultural and agri-food products compared to EU produce by December 2025.
EU and New Zealand Sign Landmark Free Trade Agreement: A Boost for the Agri-food Sector (2023/07/10)
The EU and New Zealand have signed a free trade agreement that is remarkable for its sustainability commitments, including respect for the Paris Climate Agreement and labor rights. The agri-food sector is set to reap significant benefits from this FTA, with EU farmers enjoying enhanced opportunities to market their products in New Zealand. The agreement also incorporates the EU’s fresh approach to trade and sustainable development, with impressive Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) commitments. The deal facilitates the liberalization of environmental goods and services at its commencement and is expected to bring major opportunities for both sides.
Photo by Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash
