European Commission consults on New Genomic Techniques regulation

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to implement new regulations regarding plants derived from New Genomic Techniques (NGT). Running from August 31 to September 28, the consultation focuses on two proposed acts intended to clarify how operators demonstrate a plant’s NGT status and establish equivalence criteria for NGT-1 plants compared to conventional varieties.

The regulation, set for application in 2028, distinguishes between two categories: NGT-1 plants, which are considered equivalent to conventionally obtained plants, and NGT-2 plants, which involve more complex modifications and will remain under existing GMO legislation. For NGT-1 plants, which may be subject to patenting, the Commission aims to increase transparency by requiring patent-related information and licensing declarations to provide legal certainty for operators.

These regulatory shifts occur as the European seed sector faces a ‘breeding paradox.’ While there is increasing demand for crops that can adapt to climate change, improve nutrient efficiency, and support biodiversity, breeders operate within a constrained environment. Challenges include complex variety registration, data requirements, and the need to move innovation from research to the field rapidly to meet environmental and agricultural goals.