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New genetic engineering (NGT): EU Parliament in the maze

Absurd amendments proposed by the rapporteur

17 January 2024 / There is increasing confusion in the European Parliament about the future regulation of plants derived from new genetic engineering (NGT). The rapporteur Jessica Polfjärd’s (EPP) most recent proposed amendments lack sufficient scientific basis and would turn mandatory risk assessment of NGT plants into a rare exception. In addition, the non-realistic hope is encouraged that NGT plants could be exempted from patent protection.

New GE: No majority for the EU Commission proposal

Calls for mandatory risk assessment intensify

12 December 2023 / The EU agriculture ministers did not approve the proposal to deregulate plants derived from new genetic engineering (New GE, also new genomic techniques, NGT) at their meeting on 11 December. The Spanish EU Council Presidency put the regulatory proposal to the vote with only minor amendments. If approved, the Commission proposal would allow the release and marketing of genetically engineered plants, e. g. plants altered with CRISPR/Cas gene scissors, without prior mandatory risk assessment.

New genetic engineering: Scientists oppose EU Commission proposal

Warning of danger to health and the environment

5 December 2023 / A number of European scientists have issued a joint statement warning against approval in the EU of plants obtained from new genetic engineering (New GE or new genomic techniques, NGT) that are not risk assessed. The signatories all work in the fields of, amongst others, molecular biology, technology assessment, environmental sciences and medicine. None of them have any economic interests linked to the development and marketing of genetically engineered organisms.

New genetic engineering: Pollinators being put at risk

New data review focused on oilseed rape and camelina

28 November 2023 / A review of the data in current publications shows that the cultivation of plants obtained from new genetic engineering (New GE, or new genomic techniques, NGT) may put pollinators, such as bees, at risk. In addition to nectar, pollinators collect pollen from flowering plants such as oilseed rape and camelina. However, the composition of New GE plants can be altered in a way that it makes the pollen unsuitable as a food source for insects.