Coalition of 26 Food and Feed Associations Urges EU's Swift Adoption of NGTs

A coalition of 26 European food and feed associations has issued an urgent appeal to EU policymakers, calling for the swift adoption of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) and a firm rejection of unnecessary new regulatory burdens. Representing a vast segment of the plant-based agri-food chain—from suppliers and farmers to processors and food producers—the group insists that the introduction of NGTs is critical for strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the European food system in the face of mounting pressures.

The associations specifically warned that ongoing discussions in the European Parliament threaten to derail the initiative by adding complex, scientifically unwarranted restrictions. They argue that proposed measures, such as extra sustainability criteria, extensive monitoring, or new traceability and labeling obligations for NGT products equivalent to conventionally bred ones, would create massive administrative and financial burdens. The coalition stressed that the fundamental purpose of the NGT regulation is to authorize plants similar to conventional ones under simple, proportionate conditions, not to layer new costs onto operators.

With European agriculture facing significant challenges from climate change, emerging pests, and a reduction in available crop protection tools, the group highlighted the urgent need for innovation. They noted that nearly 30 countries worldwide already treat many NGTs as conventional breeding methods, leaving the EU at risk of falling further behind its global competitors. The 26 organizations urged institutions to conclude trilogue negotiations swiftly and adopt a science-based, future-oriented NGT framework that supports investment, legal certainty, and strategic autonomy for the region.

Earlier in November, Euroseeds, together with European farmers and agricooperatives group Copa and Cogeca, released a joint Letter that highlighted the importance of a science-based and innovation-friendly regulatory framework for NGT plants.

For more details, read the open letter on the Euroseeds website. The joint Letter from Euroseeds and Copa and Cogeca is available here.