Brussels, 09 February 2024
Primary Food Processors (PFP) welcome the European Parliament’s adoption of its position on the European Commission proposal for a Regulation on plants produced through New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), bringing the legislative process one step closer to completion.
The organisation welcomes the European Parliament’s recognition that New Genomic Techniques can contribute to addressing major agricultural, environmental and food security challenges facing the European Union. PFP also supports the acknowledgement that a dedicated and modern legal framework is required to facilitate innovation while maintaining high standards of safety and transparency.
PFP particularly welcomes the decision to maintain the two category system originally proposed by the European Commission. Under this approach, Category 1 NGT plants are recognised as equivalent to conventionally bred plants and are exempt from standard GMO legislation requirements, while Category 2 NGT plants remain subject to GMO related regulatory requirements.
The organisation considers this distinction an important step towards creating a proportionate, science based and innovation friendly framework for plant breeding technologies in Europe.
Despite supporting the overall direction of the legislation, PFP expresses concerns regarding the European Parliament’s position on mandatory labelling requirements for Category 1 NGT products. According to the organisation, mandatory labelling is difficult to reconcile with the principle that these products are considered equivalent to conventionally bred plants.
PFP also notes that the adopted provisions differ from positions previously supported by both the ENVI and AGRI Committees during earlier stages of the legislative process.
The organisation stresses that an appropriate regulatory framework for New Genomic Techniques could contribute to improving crop resilience, supporting climate adaptation, reducing agricultural production challenges, encouraging innovation in plant breeding and strengthening the sustainability of Europe’s food systems.
PFP expects the Council of the European Union to continue examining the Parliament’s position and to further refine the legislative text during future negotiations. The organisation remains committed to constructive engagement with policymakers and stakeholders throughout the legislative process.
PFP brings together the European Association of Sugar Manufacturers (CEFS), the European Cocoa Association (ECA), the European Flour Milling Association (European Flour Millers), the European Vegetable Protein Association (EUVEPRO), the European Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry (FEDIOL), and the European Starch Industry Association (Starch Europe).
PFP members process approximately 220 million tonnes of raw materials and employ more than 120,000 people across the European Union.
