The vote marks a decisive step in the long process of approving the regulation proposed by the European Commission in July 2023.
The text aims to strengthen EU food safety, reduce external dependencies and ensure a level playing field for European operators , while maintaining high standards for human and animal health and environmental protection.
By developing more resilient and resource-efficient crops , it also supports the EU's sustainability goals.
Our farmers need practical solutions to adapt to climate change and remain competitive ,” said Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus . “ These new rules give them access to innovation while ensuring clarity, fairness, and high standards across the EU.
The political agreement reached last December with the European Parliament was supported by 18 member states, while Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Romania, Slovenia, and Slovakia voted against it. Belgium, Bulgaria, and Germany abstained.
Two categories of NGT plants
The regulation distinguishes two categories:Category 1 (NGT-1)
Plants considered equivalent to conventional varieties . National authorities will verify their status, but their offspring will not require further checks.
NGT-1 plants and products will not be labelled, with the exception of seeds and other reproductive material , which will allow operators who wish to do so to maintain NGT-free supply chains.
Some traits, including herbicide tolerance and the production of known insecticidal substances, are excluded from this category.
Category 2 (NGT-2)
Plants with more complex genetic modifications , which remain subject to existing EU GMO legislation , including authorisation, traceability and mandatory labelling.
Member States may decide not to participate in the cultivation of NGT-2 plants and may introduce coexistence measures to avoid their unintended presence in other products.
Intellectual property concerns
While patent rules remain governed by the EU Biotechnology Directive, the Regulation introduces new transparency measures .NGT-1 plant developers must submit relevant patent information to a public database and may voluntarily indicate licensing intentions on fair terms.
An expert panel will be established to assess the impact of patents on NGT plants.
Within one year of the entry into force of the Regulation, the Commission will publish a study on the impact of patenting on innovation, seed availability, and the competitiveness of the sector and, if necessary, propose follow-up actions.
Next steps
The text will now need to be formally adopted by the European Parliament . Once adopted, the regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.Most provisions will apply after a 24-month transition period , allowing time for the adoption of implementing rules. The new framework is expected to apply from mid-2028. (Source: https://www.ruminantia.it /)