EU Stalemate Continues Over Gene-Editing Rules Despite Proposal for Patent Exceptions
Source: The DairyNews
European Union governments failed to reach an agreement on relaxing regulations for gene-edited crops, despite a proposal to exempt patented seeds from stricter rules, Reuters reported. The deadlock occurred after Poland, among other countries, opposed the revised provisions during a crucial meeting.
The proposal, focused on new genomic techniques (NGT), aimed to differentiate these modern methods from traditional genetically modified organism (GMO) regulations. It included a clause that patented NGT seeds would still be subjected to existing stringent GMO rules, an attempt to address concerns about accessibility for smaller agricultural producers.
Despite these efforts, the lack of consensus led to the withdrawal of the proposal from Wednesday's agenda, as confirmed by an EU official. Without sufficient support, achieving a qualified majority was unfeasible, stalling the progress of the legislation that requires both European Parliament and member states' approval.
Unlike traditional GMOs, NGT allows for the editing of an organism’s genetic material without introducing foreign DNA. Advocates argue that NGT could lead to crops that require fewer pesticides and are more resistant to drought and disease. However, critics maintain that the risks to ecosystems and public health are similar to those posed by GMOs.
Cesar Gonzalez, representing Euroseeds in Brussels, expressed disappointment over the impasse. He highlighted that the upcoming EU presidencies of Hungary and Poland, both opponents of the legislation, could delay any potential agreement by at least a year. This delay poses a significant challenge for the EU, especially in identifying imported NGT-developed products, which lack the foreign DNA markers typically used for GMO detection.
Despite these efforts, the lack of consensus led to the withdrawal of the proposal from Wednesday's agenda, as confirmed by an EU official. Without sufficient support, achieving a qualified majority was unfeasible, stalling the progress of the legislation that requires both European Parliament and member states' approval.
Unlike traditional GMOs, NGT allows for the editing of an organism’s genetic material without introducing foreign DNA. Advocates argue that NGT could lead to crops that require fewer pesticides and are more resistant to drought and disease. However, critics maintain that the risks to ecosystems and public health are similar to those posed by GMOs.
Cesar Gonzalez, representing Euroseeds in Brussels, expressed disappointment over the impasse. He highlighted that the upcoming EU presidencies of Hungary and Poland, both opponents of the legislation, could delay any potential agreement by at least a year. This delay poses a significant challenge for the EU, especially in identifying imported NGT-developed products, which lack the foreign DNA markers typically used for GMO detection.
