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Brussels intends to ease restrictions on genetically modified crops to assist farmers in adapting to climate change. This move is expected to rekindle the debate over controversial genetic modification techniques across Europe.
According to a draft EU regulation obtained by the Financial Times, numerous modified plants would be classified as conventional instead of being subject to the burdensome and costly GMO regime currently in place. The proposed plan would create a category for plants that have used gene editing to develop new varieties, even though the same results could have been achieved through traditional breeding techniques. These include drought-resistant wheat, fungus-resistant tomatoes, and potatoes with reduced acrylamide levels, which becomes carcinogenic when fried.
EU officials argue that these new techniques are crucial for maintaining crop yields as farmers face the challenges of shifting weather patterns, such as droughts and floods. Additionally, they would reduce the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. The European Commission is set to present the proposal on July 5, although it may still be subject to changes.
An EU official stated, “The science and evidence demonstrate that these achievements can also be made through conventional breeding of crops. The economic rationale is compelling. If we want to address climate change and support food security, we need these techniques.”
The proposal outlines various regulatory options but leans towards implementing a less stringent regime for most new plant varieties. These varieties would be treated similarly to conventional plants and would not require authorization, risk assessment, traceability, or labeling as GMOs. However, a transparency register would be established for these plants. Gene editing involves the manipulation of genes within the same or related species, accelerating a traditional process where scientists combine different plant species. It should be noted that gene editing is distinct from genetic modification, which introduces DNA from foreign species.
Plants created through gene editing that cannot occur naturally would still necessitate full GMO authorization. However, measures would be introduced to encourage the development of plant products that contribute to a sustainable agri-food system. Such crops would not be required to carry a GMO label.
In the EU, only a limited number of GMOs have been authorized, primarily for animal feed, due to public and political opposition to so-called Frankenfoods. Greenpeace voiced their opposition to any relaxation of regulations, describing the proposal as a product of an “unscientific fantasy world” that accepts unproven claims of benefits without acknowledging the risks. Greenpeace EU GMO campaigner Eva Corral emphasized that the EU’s top court had previously ruled that gene editing should be subject to GMO regulation.
The proposal does recommend careful treatment of herbicide-resistant plants, which have crossed species boundaries and resulted in the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds. While the Green party and other members of the European Parliament oppose any changes, most member states have expressed support for easing GMO rules in recent discussions.
EU officials state that they will closely monitor the impacts of these changes and respond accordingly. They argue that looser regulations are necessary to ensure the commercialization of research within the EU, as many countries are already embracing gene-edited crops. Furthermore, this relaxed approach will benefit smaller enterprises by reducing bureaucratic obstacles to crop commercialization.
Lifting the effective EU ban on gene-altered crops will also have positive implications for the developing world, as countries hesitate to plant such crops if they cannot be exported to the EU.
An EU official expressed, “This can have positive global consequences. Other countries, particularly those grappling with food security concerns, are observing our actions. This can be critical for them in addressing climate change.”
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