(Adnkronos) – The EU Council reached an agreement overnight with the European Parliament on a series of rules establishing a legal framework for new genomic techniques (Ngt). The regulation, according to the Council, aims to improve the competitiveness of the agri-food sector and ensure a level playing field for European operators, strengthening food security and reducing dependence on third countries. The regulation, according to the Council, guarantees “robust protection” of human and animal health, as well as the environment, contributing to the EU’s sustainability objectives.
The agreement reached in trilogue provides for a simplified procedure for Ngt plants equivalent to conventional ones and addresses issues related to intellectual property and access to seeds. “New genomic techniques – says Danish Minister of Agriculture, Jacob Jensen – can help us do more with less. The regulation will allow us to develop new plant varieties that are more resilient to climate change and require fewer fertilizers or pesticides. Our farmers and the agri-food sector will be better equipped to innovate and continue to produce healthy and safe food for our citizens.”
