A new EU regulation to allow the apply of ‘new genomic techniques’ (NGTs) in plant protection has relocated a step closer following a vote among MEPs.
NGTs are ways of manipulating plant genetics to improve sustainability and resilience.
Although the practice is considered scientifically distinct from the more controversial practice of genetic modification, EU law does not currently recognise the distinction.
Possible advantages of NGTs include drought resistance crops; tolerance to disease and pests; and improved yields.
A vote has taken place in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee on proposed legislation that would regulate the apply of certain NGTs on plants.
The committee backed the regulation by 59 votes to 24, with two abstentions, allowing the regulation to relocate ahead to a full sitting of the parliament for a final vote.
The regulation will also have to be signed off on by member states.
This follows on from neobtainediations between representatives of member states and the parliament on how the regulation should see, with discussion focussing on three main areas, namely sustainability and monitoring; traceability and labelling, and patents.
The vote in the environment committee was welcomed by the EU-wide farming organisation Copa Cogeca, which called for the full parliament to follow suit.
Copa stated that vote is “a new step towards a clear, science-based EU framework that enables farmers to access innovation and remain productive, sustainable and competitive”.
“NGTs are already applyd in third [non-EU] countries, and further delays in Europe risk placing EU farmers at a structural disadvantage,” the farm organisation stated.
According to Copa, the legal text agreed between member state and parliament representatives in December is “balanced and workable, and the best achievable outcome at this stage to strengthen farmers’ toolboxes while supporting food security and sustainability”.
“We now call on the European Parliament to finishorse the agreement in plenary [full sitting] and sfinish a clear signal that the EU is ready to equip its farmers with the tools necessaryed for a resilient and competitive agriculture in challenging and uncertain times,” the farm organisation stated.
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