In a letter sent to MEPs, the signatories warn that any additional changes would jeopardise the practical implementation of the framework and delay Europe’s ability to compete with countries that have already advanced in this field.
The letter stresses that the EU urgently needs a clear regulatory framework for NGT plants in order to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the European agri‑food system. The organisations recall that the sector faces growing challenges —greater pest pressure, climate volatility and market uncertainty— and that plant breeding innovation is a key tool to address them. They also note that an increasing number of countries have already legislated on these techniques, making it essential for the EU to keep pace if it wants to maintain trade flows and international competitiveness.
A system based on two categories
The text defends the core approach of the regulation: distinguishing between NGT plants equivalent to conventional ones —the so‑called Category 1— and those that will continue to be regulated as GMOs. The former, they explain, feature modifications “indistinguishable” from those achieved through traditional breeding methods and, once verified, should fall under the existing rules for the marketing of plant varieties and seed.
This distinction, they argue, is essential to ensure a workable system for farmers, breeders, industry and operators across the agri‑food chain.
Transparency and access to innovation
The letter highlights that the agreement reached between the Council and Parliament includes transparency measures for farmers and growers, such as specific labelling on NGT1 seed bags. It also welcomes the balance achieved between intellectual property protection and broad, non‑discriminatory access to these innovations.
According to the signatories, the compromise reached “is the best possible solution at this stage”, as it enables innovation, strengthens food security and enhances the international competitiveness of the European agri‑food sector.
Call to reject amendments
The organisations urge MEPs to support the agreed text and reject any proposed amendments in the upcoming votes in the Environment Committee and the plenary. Altering the balance achieved, they warn, would prevent Europe from “finally catching up” with the rest of the world in a field that is crucial for the future of agriculture.
The letter is signed by a broad representation of the sector: from young farmers’ organisations, cooperatives and plant breeders to industries involved in cocoa, sugar, flour, oils, vegetable proteins, snacks, agricultural machinery, biotechnology, and processors of potatoes, rice and tomatoes, as well as European technological platforms.
