Europe eases rules on gene-edited crops—but not without fierce debate

The European Parliament has approved new regulations for new genomic techniques (NGTs) in agriculture. The rules distinguish between plants with minor genetic changes (NGT-1) and those with more extensive modifications (NGT-2). Under the new regulations, NGT-1 plants modified at a few genetic sites without foreign DNA can be sold without special labelling. Current scientific evidence suggests these plants pose no unintended environmental or health risks. More extensively modified NGT-2 plants will still follow stricter GMO regulations.

Supporters, including former Syngenta CEO Erik Fyrwald, argue the rules are necessary to combat hunger for 800 million people worldwide. They hope for dramatic reductions in pesticide use and a potential solution to global food shortages. The new plants may require fewer pesticides and less water, though they are not seen as a complete answer for a green agricultural transition.

Opposition has come from groups like Welthungerhilfe, which cites food waste, natural disasters, war, skewed global trade, and lack of education as the root causes of hunger. Conservation groups also oppose the rules, viewing them as a violation of long-standing taboos. The new regulations do not include patent restrictions, despite concerns over market concentration. Two companies, Bayer and Corteva, currently hold roughly 80 percent of patents on genetically modified crops and pesticides.

Traditional seed breeding often involves more aggressive interventions than new genomic tools. Conventional agriculture has been criticised for harming nature and humans due to excessive pesticide and fertiliser use, as well as a lack of plant diversity. The approval marks a shift in how genetically modified plants are regulated in Europe. NGT-1 plants will enter the market without special labels, while NGT-2 plants remain under tighter controls. The debate over their role in solving hunger and environmental challenges continues.