EU Adopts NGT Law

On June 17, 2026, the European Parliament passed a landmark regulation governing the use of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in plant breeding. Passing with 431 votes in favor, 201 against, and 29 abstentions, the new framework marks the end of nearly a decade of intense legislative debate and legal uncertainty. The regulation establishes a two-tier framework for gene-edited plants. Under the first category, NGT-1, plants with simpler genetic modifications will face lighter, streamlined regulations, putting them on par with conventionally bred crops. Under the second category, NGT-2, plants with more complex genetic alterations will remain under stricter, GMO-style regulatory oversight.

While the law will now proceed to presidential signature and publication in the EU Official Journal, it has sparked sharply contrasting reactions across Europe’s agricultural and environmental sectors.

Agricultural, trade, and plant breeding organizations—including a coalition of 30 European agri-food value chain groups—have strongly welcomed the decision. They view the regulation as a necessary step to modernize European farming and align it with global technological advances. Proponents argue that NGTs allow breeders to introduce vital traits into plant varieties much faster than traditional breeding methods, which is crucial for developing crops that are resilient to climate volatility, resource scarcity, weeds, pests, and plant diseases. Furthermore, supporters note that many countries outside the European Union have permitted these breeding methods for years, and they believe the new rules will prevent Europe from falling further behind in global agricultural innovation.

R. Scott Kuhn, Managing Director, Heinz Seeds, comments:

“This provides much needed clarity around the use of gene editing techniques to both growers and consumers. We welcome particularly the use of NGT-1 techniques to solve problems faster than conventional breeding alone.”

In contrast, environmental groups, civil society organizations, and the organic farming sector—including IFOAM Organics Europe and Arche Noah—have raised serious concerns. Their primary criticism centers on the European Parliament’s rejection of late-stage amendments designed to ban or restrict seed patents. Critics warn that allowing companies to patent NGT-derived seeds and traits will result in severe market concentration, reducing access to genetic material for independent breeders and creating heavy corporate dependencies for farmers. Opponents also argue the deregulation goes too far by omitting widespread NGT labeling requirements on retail food products, making it harder for consumers to choose non-NGT options. Additionally, organic sector leaders caution that the alleged benefits of NGTs are highly speculative and risk overshadowing proven, systemic agroecological innovations. Despite these concerns, the organic sector did secure two safeguards, as NGTs remain strictly prohibited in organic production and NGT seed lots must be clearly labeled so that farmers can actively avoid planting them.

The adoption of the regulation is just the first step in a multi-year rollout. Over the next two years, the European Union will finalize specific implementing rules, and the European Commission will develop a Code of Conduct regarding intellectual property. Furthermore, to address the intense debate surrounding corporate monopolies, the Commission has committed to publishing a comprehensive study on the impacts of seed patenting within one year, which will outline potential follow-up actions if necessary.

Sources : EuroSeeds, European Parliament, Food Ingredients First, Heinz Seeds