EU Council deadlock on NGTs further delays innovation for Europe’s plant breeders and farmers
Euroseeds expressed disappointment as EU Member States again failed to agree on the Commission’s proposal for regulating New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). Despite the Spanish and Belgian presidencies’ efforts, differences over the patentability of NGT-derived innovations prevented consensus.
Euroseeds supports the Commission’s commitment to assess, as part of a broader market analysis, the impact that the patenting of plants and related licensing and transparency practices may have on innovation in plant breeding.
“The outcome of this study will help to support further policy action and possible regulatory measures,” said Secretary General Garlich von Essen.
With other countries advancing without additional restrictions on NGT plants, Euroseeds warned that Europe’s delays hinder its researchers, breeders, and farmers.
“The more the decision-making process gets delayed in Europe, the more our researchers, breeders, and farmers are losing out on progress and competitiveness,” von Essen added.
Euroseeds urges a differentiated regulatory approach for NGTs in Europe to align with global scientific consensus and practices.
“We ask Member States to urgently act in favour of plant breeding innovation in Europe and to provide the necessary legal certainty for all parties involved to support the much-needed progress in research and product development”, von Essen concluded.
Agricultural Innovator and Leader
6moUnfortunately, the EU will continue to be left behind in sustainable agriculture development. Meanwhile China and other countries are increasing investment and implementation of these tools. The EU will continue its reliance on other countries to feed itself. While I support a global view, hamstringing in country ability to meet the needs due to ideology is not a policy I feel is wise or sustainable.