EU lawmakers vote to commercialise gene-edited crops

The European Parliament has given the green light to the future commercialisation of gene-edited crops, bringing EU legislation closer to rules that already apply in the UK.

In a vote on Wednesday 17 June, MEPs voted to allow plants derived from new genomic techniques that could have occurred through conventional breeding (NGT-1) to be cultivated and marketed in the EU.

See also: High Court ruling on gene editing puts SPS deal at risk

However a second category of more complex NGT-2 varieties – such as those engineered for herbicide or insect tolerance – will continue to face the same tight regulations that currently apply to other genetically modified organisms.

These will therefore require specific authorisation before they may be commercialised in the EU.

The new rules, which will come into force in about two years’ time, also cover labelling so that all NGT-1 varieties are clearly marked on all seed bags – “so farmers can make an informed choice”.

The new rules will also apply to all imports.

‘Historic victory’ 

Swedish MEP Jessica Polfjard, who oversaw the progress of the EU Commission’s proposals through the European Parliament, said: “This is a historic victory for Europe’s farmers and Europe’s future.

“By making these safe, science-based breeding technologies available, parliament is delivering for European farmers, safeguarding our food security, and building a more competitive and innovative Europe.”

EU farmer and co-operative group, Copa-Cogeca, was equally enthusiastic.

“At a time when European agriculture faces increasing climate, environmental and market challenges, access to better-performing crop varieties is essential to ensure food security, sustainability and competitiveness,” said a spokesman.

UK significance

The ruling is also significant as it may help the UK achieve a special “carve out” for its own gene-editing rules as part of the ongoing negotiations with Brussels for a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement.

There is some concern among UK plant breeders and researchers that progress already made in the UK towards developing and trialling precision-bred (gene-edited) crops could be derailed, if the UK is forced to align immediately with EU rules in this area.

“Against the backdrop of the EU-UK alignment this is good news,” said Tom Allen-Stevens of the British On-Farm Innovation Network, which is involved in the trials.

“It looks as though the EU parliament has taken a broadly similar approach on precision-bred crops to the one already implemented here in the UK.

“This will strengthen the case for the UK 2025 regulations on precision breeding and for the approval process to proceed. In the short term, that means vital research trials already under way will be able to progress as planned.”