Debate: Plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed
Date: TUESDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2024
Speaker: Helena Dalli
Language: EN

We find ourselves at a critical point in deciding how innovations in plant breeding can make our agri-food system more sustainable, environmentally friendly and globally competitive, and, by extension, how they can address the pressing needs of society and deliver food safety and security. At a time when farmers ask for our support, it is crucial to give them new tools. We need tools that respond to the pressing challenges of breeders and farmers in food production. Farmers are making their voices heard. They want their activities to remain economically viable and globally competitive. We have a responsibility to engage with our farmers, address their concerns and find appropriate solutions. We must also engage genuinely with citizens about how new technologies can help make agriculture more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. We have listened to the different voices and put forward a balanced set of new rules that are proportionate, contribute to food security and guarantee food safety. I am glad to see that the report proposed by the rapporteur and supported by the ENVI Committee, maintains the overall architecture of our proposal and the need for differentiated requirements based on two categories of plants obtained by new genomic techniques. I remind you that this differentiation is supported by science and allows for a regulatory framework that ensures safety without unnecessary burden. This is key to delivering legislation that enables innovation while not compromising on safety. Legislation to support farmers and their crucial work. Many countries around the world have taken or are taking measures to update their regulatory systems to exploit the potential of new genomic techniques. They are creating regulatory systems adapted to the 21st century. The EU should not miss the opportunity now to do the same. At this stage, the Commission reserves its position on the proposed amendments. We will consider them once Parliament and Council have established their positions and we enter into trilogue discussions. Even so, I shall highlight a couple of issues. On the patentability of plants obtained by new genomic techniques, we have already expressed our commitment to undertake a thorough assessment and, if necessary, take action. I reiterate that commitment today. I understand the legitimate concerns in this area. However, as always, any substantial changes need to be carefully assessed and based on real evidence. I stress how important it is for the Commission in the subsequent discussions to maintain the logic of the proposal as informed by the scientific consensus, namely, that certain plants obtained by new genomic techniques are as safe as conventional plants. They should, in our view, be subject to the same rules as conventional plants, including on risk assessment, traceability, labelling and sustainability. I welcome the progress so far. It paves the way for our joint work in this area. As always, you can count on the Commission’s full support and commitment in the future negotiations.