Trilogue Talks to Shape the EU’s NGT Plant Future

The Proposal on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) and Plant Reproductive Material (EU Proposal) has moved forward as the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States to the European Union (Coreper) endorsed the Council's negotiating mandate on regulating NGT plants on March 14, 2025.

Trilogue negotiations on the EU Proposal are now underway, involving the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU. These negotiations, which started on May 6, 2025, in Strasbourg, aim to finalize a common text for the regulation of NGT plants and their products. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the future of agricultural innovation and sustainability in the EU. A key focus is on establishing rules for traceability, labeling, and risk assessment, particularly for NGT plants considered equivalent to conventional varieties.

At the heart of the discussion is the critical distinction between Category 1 NGT plants and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The European Commission proposes treating NGT plants that are comparable to traditionally bred varieties differently from transgenic products, which face more stringent GMO regulations. However, a major concern is the potential imposition of mandatory traceability and labeling for these Category 1 NGT plants and their products.

Trilogue negotiations are informal, tripartite meetings where representatives from the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the European Commission attempt to reach a consensus on a legislative proposal. Trilogues are a crucial mechanism for efficient lawmaking in the EU, enabling legislators to find a common ground and streamline the legislative process. The Commission plays a crucial role as a mediator, helping to bridge differences between the Parliament and Council.

The key issues being addressed in the trilogue negotiations include the following:

• Patenting. The European Parliament is pushing for a total ban on patents for NGT plants to prevent monopolies and ensure access for farmers and breeders. The Council, however, supports the patenting of these plants.
• Traceability and Labeling. The Parliament generally favors mandatory labeling and traceability for all NGT products, while the Council is leaning towards less stringent requirements, especially for NGT plants considered equivalent to conventional varieties.
• Risk Assessment. The Commission's proposal suggests a differentiated approach, with stricter rules for some NGT plants and exemptions for others considered equivalent to conventional varieties.
• Coexistence. The Parliament and the Council have differing views on how to ensure coexistence between NGT crops and organic or conventional farming practices. The Parliament is pushing for national-level measures to manage potential coexistence issues.

Following the trilogue, both the Parliament and the Council will vote on the agreed text. If approved, the regulation will move to implementation, which is expected to take an additional two years.

In late April, a new Joint Position Paper on NGT Traceability and Labeling in the EU was signed and released by 27 agri-food value chain partners. The joint position paper represents millions of farmers and thousands of agri-food businesses. The partners ask EU policymakers to support the Commission and Council proposal that allows freedom of choice for breeders, farmers, supply chain operators, and consumers concerning the use of plants and food, feed, and non-food products obtained by NGTs. They reject mandatory traceability and labeling due to potential costs, enforcement challenges, and trade disruptions. Instead, they emphasize the importance of increasing public understanding of NGTs and their potential benefits to create an informed and engaged consumer base.

Policymakers and stakeholders must engage in constructive dialogue to create a regulatory framework that both fosters innovation and supports a sustainable agricultural sector in Europe. Establishing science-based policies to combat climate change, which give farmers the tools they need for increased productivity and biodiversity protection, is urgent. Ongoing advocacy for plant breeding innovation is crucial, and all stakeholders should get involved.

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