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DRAFT REPORT (COM(2023)0411 – C90238/2023 – (2023)0226(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed, and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/625

ENVI-PR-754658

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety · Rapporteur: Jessica Polfjärd

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This draft report proposes amendments to the Commission's proposed regulation on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques (NGTs) and their food and feed. It aims to clarify rules for category 1 NGT plants, allow their use in organic farming, and remove seed bag labelling requirements. The amendments also refine the criteria for equivalence to conventional plants, adjust verification procedures, and ensure that member states cannot restrict cultivation of category 2 NGT plants.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes amendments to the Commission's proposal, supporting its overall approach but seeking to treat category 1 NGT plants as conventional, allow their use in organic farming, and remove seed bag labelling.

Key points

  1. Category 1 NGT plants should be subject to the same rules as techniques listed in Annex IB of Directive 2001/18, meaning they are treated like conventional plants.
  2. The prohibition on using category 1 NGT plants in organic production is removed, allowing their use in organic farming.
  3. Seed bag labelling for category 1 NGT plant reproductive material is deleted; transparency is ensured through a public database.
  4. Member states should not be able to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of category 2 NGT plants, as this would undermine sustainability goals.
  5. The definition of 'NGT plant' no longer includes the term 'genetically modified', and 'targeted mutagenesis' is redefined as modifications at targeted locations.
  6. The definition of 'NGT product' is clarified to include food and feed containing, consisting of, or produced from NGT plants.
  7. Verification procedures for category 1 status are adjusted: reasoned objections must be science-based and refer to Annex I criteria; the Commission may make objections after consulting the European Food Safety Authority.
  8. The equivalence criteria in Annex I are amended: the 20 genetic modifications threshold is based on the monoploid genome, and point 5 is removed from the count.
  9. The condition for cisgenesis is changed: it must not create an intragenic plant, rather than not interrupting an endogenous gene.

Who is affected

  • Plant breeders and farmers: category 1 NGT plants are treated as conventional, without seed bag labelling, and can be used in organic farming.
  • Organic farmers: they may now use category 1 NGT plants in organic production.
  • National competent authorities: they handle verification requests for category 1 status, with possible Commission involvement.

Figures and deadlines

  • 20 genetic modifications: the threshold for equivalence to conventional plants, based on the monoploid genome.
  • 20 days: deadline for reasoned objections to verification reports.
  • 10 working days: deadline for adopting a decision if no reasoned objections are made.
  • 45 working days: deadline for the Commission to prepare a draft decision after reasoned objections.

Legal basis: Article 43(2), Article 114 and Article 168(4)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union