Ref. 25PFP002
PFP represents the European primary food processing industry, a vital link in the food chain that delivers safe, high quality food and feed products to consumers and downstream industries across Europe. The sector processes approximately 220 million tonnes of agricultural raw commodities each year and employs more than 120,000 people.
PFP welcomed the European Commission’s proposal for a Regulation on plants obtained through certain New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) and their food and feed products, published in July 2023, and has actively contributed to discussions surrounding the future regulatory framework.
The organisation particularly supports the distinction between plants derived through targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis and traditional transgenic GMO plants. PFP considers the creation of Category 1 NGT plants an important step forward, recognising that these plants could arise through conventional breeding methods or occur naturally and should therefore be treated as conventional like products.
Transparency remains an important element of the proposal. PFP supports the inclusion of relevant information within public databases and registers, allowing stakeholders access to information while maintaining a proportionate regulatory approach.
According to the organisation, products recognised as conventional like should follow the same legislative framework as conventionally bred plants and products. PFP therefore supports the European Commission’s proposal to exempt Category 1 NGT plants and products from mandatory GMO labelling and traceability requirements.
The association argues that introducing mandatory labelling and traceability obligations would require unnecessary segregation of Category 1 NGT products throughout the supply chain. Such requirements would create additional costs, reduce adoption, limit innovation and undermine the contribution that these technologies could make to sustainability, resilience and food security.
The proposed verification procedure for Category 1 plants is also considered important. PFP emphasises that implementation should ensure a harmonised approach across all Member States in order to avoid fragmentation of the internal market. The organisation further stresses that the process should remain a simple verification procedure without unnecessary administrative burdens for operators.
PFP also highlights the importance of regulatory coherence both within the European Union and internationally. Consistent and predictable rules are viewed as essential for maintaining competitiveness, supporting innovation and facilitating the adoption of new breeding technologies across agricultural and food value chains.
The organisation remains committed to constructive engagement with European institutions and calls for the timely adoption of a clear, workable and science based legal framework for NGT plants and products derived from them.
PFP brings together the European Committee of Sugar Manufacturers (CEFS), the European Cocoa Association (ECA), the European Flour Milling Association (European Flour Millers), the European Starch Industry Association (Starch Europe), the European Vegetable Protein Association (EUVEPRO), and the European Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry (FEDIOL).
PFP members process approximately 220 million tonnes of raw materials and employ more than 120,000 people across the European Union.
