EU Agrees on New Regulation for Gene-Edited Plants – Important Signal for Plant Research

The European Union has reached a provisional agreement on a new regulatory framework for plants developed using new genomic techniques (NGTs). The reform modernises rules that have remained unchanged since 2001 and acknowledges the scientific progress made in precision breeding methods such as CRISPR/Cas.

Until now, all plants produced with NGTs were subject to strict GMO legislation, even when the resulting genetic changes were identical to those achievable through conventional breeding. The new regulation introduces a more nuanced approach. Plants whose modifications could occur naturally or through traditional breeding -classified as NGT-1 - will no longer undergo the full GMO authorisation process. More complex gene-edited plants will fall under the NGT-2 category and remain under the existing GMO framework.

For research institutes and breeders, this change creates a clearer and more efficient framework that can support the development of improved varieties with traits such as stress tolerance or reduced needs for resources such as fertilisers or plant protection products.

The agreement still needs formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council. MPIPZ welcomes this step and will assess how the new rules can support ongoing and future research aimed at sustainable and resilient crop production.