New regulation aims to boost innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

The European Parliament has formally approved a new regulatory framework for plants developed using new genomic techniques (NGTs), marking a significant shift in how such crops are assessed and governed across the European Union. The legislation, agreed with Member States and the European Commission and adopted on 17 June 2026, introduces a differentiated approach that evaluates plants primarily by their characteristics rather than the breeding methods used.

Under the new rules, certain NGT-derived plants classified as equivalent to conventionally bred varieties will face simplified procedures, while plants with more complex genetic modifications will remain subject to existing genetically modified organism requirements. The framework is expected to take effect in 2028, following a two-year implementation period.

Katja Becker, President of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG – German Research Foundation), highlighted the scientific community’s support for the reform, stating: ‘I’m delighted that this has now been achieved without further amendments. From mid-2028, when the regulation comes into force, researchers will now be able to conduct field trials much more easily, for example to improve plants’ resilience to climate change and resistance to pests.’ She added that these techniques could help secure stable yields while reducing pesticide use.

Axel Brakhage, Chair of the DFG Senate Commission on Genetic Research, emphasised the scientific basis of the new classification: ‘From a scientific perspective, genome-edited plants… do not pose any specific risks. In our view, they can be treated in the same way as conventionally bred varieties.’

NGTs enable precise and efficient genetic changes, including traits such as improved drought tolerance, pest resistance and reduced food waste. By supporting innovation while maintaining high safety standards, the regulation is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of European agriculture.

In the long term, the new framework is expected to accelerate the development of robust, sustainable crops, potentially enhancing productivity, resilience and environmental performance across the sector.