The European Commission is set to propose a draft regulation next month that would ease restrictions on some genetically modified crops, aiming to ensure food security and assist farmers in adapting to climate change, as reported by the Financial Times on June 23. Under the proposed regulation, many genetically modified plants would be treated as conventional crops rather than being subjected to the European Union’s existing regulations for genetically modified organisms (GMO). The draft intends to simplify and expedite the approval process for crops developed using new genomic technologies, which can enhance resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses. An EU official emphasized that the crops developed through new gene editing techniques can also be achieved through conventional breeding methods.

The proposed relaxation of restrictions on genetically modified crops could be crucial for maintaining crop yields in the face of challenges posed by climate change and shifting weather patterns. For example, splicing a wheat variety with a large ear and another with a thick stem could breed new varieties that offer high yields and increased resistance to wind. The shift in policy also reflects the recognition that current regulations have lagged behind advancements in gene editing. In 2018, the European Commission determined that gene editing should be subject to the same policies as all GMOs. In 2021, the Commission launched a review of the EU’s GMO legislation to keep pace with developments in gene-edited crops. In a comprehensive study, the Commission acknowledged the potential of new genomic techniques (NGTs) in contributing to sustainable food production while expressing concerns regarding safety, environmental impact, and food labeling.

Sources:

https://www.ft.com/content/5c799bc0-8196-466e-b969-4082e917dbe6

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-23/eu-weighs-easing-gmo-rules-in-climate-and-food-security-push#xj4y7vzkg

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-calls-rethink-gmo-rules-gene-edited-crops-2021-04-29/

https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/genetically-modified-organisms_en