The European Parliament adopted new rules on new genomic techniques for plants on June 17 2026 facilitating development of varieties that are climate and pest resistant with higher yields and lower pesticide requirements. The amended legislation which received provisional agreement between Parliament and the Council in December 2025 marks a regulatory shift toward evaluating plants based on their final genetic profile rather than the breeding method employed according to an official Parliament announcement.
The framework categorises NGT plants into two groups with differing obligations the European Parliament reported. NGT-1 applies to plants featuring a limited number and type of modifications that could arise via conventional breeding and once verified these are treated equivalently to conventional varieties. Plants engineered for herbicide tolerance or production of insecticidal substances are barred from NGT-1 status at Parliament’s insistence while NGT-2 covers those with more extensive genetic changes that remain under strict existing GMO rules requiring risk assessment and authorisation before commercialisation.
These regulations extend to plants produced both within Europe and those imported from other regions according to the adopted text. Several NGT-derived products including low-gluten wheat pathogen-resistant potatoes and drought-tolerant maize are already available on markets or in advanced development outside the EU the Parliament noted. A 2021 European Commission study highlighted the potential of NGTs to contribute to sustainable agri-food systems aligned with the European Green Deal.
Researchers Klümper and Qaim in a meta-study referenced by scientific assessments found that GM technology has on average reduced chemical pesticide use by 37 percent increased crop yields by 22 percent and raised farmer profits by 68 percent. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has identified 409 early and advanced research and development applications of NGTs. The legislative process included Council endorsement of its first reading position in April 2026 following the provisional agreement and committee approval earlier this year.
MEPs incorporated safeguards to avert market concentration and guarantee affordability together with fair access for farmers who retain rights to save and replant seeds the Parliament stated. NGTs can be patented under the new rules but with provisions to support these protections. The changes respond to long-standing calls from European farmers for access to modern breeding tools that enhance resilience and decrease dependency on pesticides.
Rapporteur Jessica Polfjärd said “This is a historic victory for Europe’s farmers and Europe’s future. By approving the use of NGTs we have chosen innovation competitiveness and food security. European farmers have long been calling for access to these modern breeding tools to help them develop crops that are more resilient and less dependent on pesticides. By making these safe science-based breeding technologies available Parliament is delivering for European farmers safeguarding our food security and building a more competitive and innovative Europe.” The regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal and apply two years thereafter.
