The European Parliament paves the way for “new genomic techniques”, sometimes described as the new GMOs

These technologies make it possible to edit the genome of many species, in order to make them more resistant or improve their yield.

The European Parliament approved a proposal for regulatory relaxation for certain varieties of plants resulting from “new genomic techniques” (NGT), Wednesday February 7. The text aims to exempt some of the rules governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The text, supported by the right but contested by the left and environmentalists, was adopted by 307 votes in favor (236 against and 41 abstentions). This vote paves the way for future negotiations with member states. Very divided, they have not yet decided on their position. The matter will perhaps not be finalized by the European elections in June.

NGTs offer a host of tools, such as the Crispr-Cas 9 “molecular scissors”, to edit, as it were, the genetic material of plants. These new technologies are based on the research of the Frenchwoman Emmanuelle Charpentier and the American Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Prize winner 2020. Varieties resistant to drought, insects or diseases, wheat low in gluten, better yields…

The objective is to improve their yield or make them more resistant by deactivating a gene or transferring genes from the same species. Unlike “transgenic” GMOs, into which information from another species is introduced, there is no external addition in these NGTs. Seeds and varieties manipulated by NGT may therefore present modifications likely to occur naturally or via traditional crosses.

Certain varieties exempt from mandatory labeling

In certain cases, the new legislation provides that the drastic rules governing GMOs (long authorization procedure, health impact studies, traceability, labeling, surveillance, etc.) would not apply. These would be “category 1” NGTs, defined in particular by a limited number of mutations. All other varieties of NGT (“category 2”), deemed not equivalent to conventional, would remain subject to the GMO regime, with, in particular, compulsory labeling.

The text voted by MEPs plans to authorize seeds modified by NGT “only on condition that they are associated with a reduction in phytosanitary products or with an objective of adaptation to climate change”, for example to deal with water stress, underlined Pascal Canfin (Renew, centrist), president of the Parliament’s Environment committee. He welcomed the addition of a provision allowing “traceability” of these products to the consumer, and not just to the farmer, as proposed by the European Commission.

Above all, MEPs hear “totally ban patents on all NGT plants”, “in order to avoid legal uncertainties, increased costs and new dependencies for farmers and breeders”. This text “was an important expectation of farmers, I think it is good news, which shows that Europe and the Green Deal do not only provide constraints but also additional solutions”, estimated Pascal Canfin. Conversely, environmentalist MEP Benoît Biteau deplored a “sad day for nature and farmers”ensuring that “the fight will not end there”.