Who really benefits from new genomic techniques? Farmers and consumers at risk
The EU's proposal on new genomic techniques risks undermining farmers' rights, consumer choice and food security. Without robust safeguards on patents, traceability, and biodiversity, the legislation could accelerate corporate control over agriculture, jeopardising sustainability and small-scale farming in Europe.
On 5 July 2023, the European Commission unveiled its proposals for regulating plants derived through new genomic techniques (NGTs), marking a new era for GMOs. This regulation was presented as the ultimate solution by the European Commission for a sustainable future of EU agriculture. Under intense pressure from the European Commission, both the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions swiftly reacted to this proposal which has since been blocked for several months in the Council of the European Union. Today, as the file edges closer to resolution, as Social-Democrats, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting consumers’ and farmers’ interests.
Our concerns regarding this proposal have been unequivocal. We firmly believe that the regulation falls short of addressing the critical challenges of climate change adaptation, organic farming development, biodiversity preservation, sustainable agriculture, fair revenue for farmers and the revitalisation of rural areas.
The Polish Presidency, commendably striving for consensus, has proposed revisions in patents and traceability – key concerns for both the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions. Despite these efforts, the proposed legislation still threatens farmers’ livelihoods and the future of sustainable agriculture in Europe.
By neglecting to establish mechanisms for detecting and identifying new GMOs, the legislation jeopardises the position of small and medium-sized farmers. Without such safeguard, farmers may unknowingly cultivate contaminated fields or use seeds containing NGT traits, risking patent infringement lawsuits and risking their production. Moreover, the legislation undermines the freedom of choice for consumers, territories and member states. The latter will not be able to apply the precautionary principle effectively and will be stripped of their right to refuse NGTs within their borders.
We stand firmly with EU regions, cities, and the European Parliament in advocating for the prohibition of patents on natural plants and genes. This is essential to ensure farmers’ access to all genetic resources for varietal innovation, particularly for small traditional seed companies that cannot afford licensing fees. We also demand full traceability and improved labelling of NGTs to safeguard consumer choice and protect farmers from unintentional contamination.
In a world of growing geopolitical instability, the European Union cannot afford to weaken its control over food security. Relinquishing our strategic autonomy in this sector and risking the concentration of the agrifood business in the hands of a few multinational corporations – which already dominate over 60% of the global seed market – would be a grave mistake.
We urge the European Union to prioritise the interests of its farmers, consumers, and the environment. Let us forge a regulatory framework that truly embodies sustainability, fairness and the precautionary principle. Â The stakes are too high to allow corporate interests to dictate the future of European agriculture.
Karsten Petersen is the PES Coordinator in the NAT Commission of the European Commission and Christophe Clergeau is the S&D Shadow Rapporteur on the Regulation of Plants Obtained Through New Genomic Techniques.
