The European Commission (EC) has published a study on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), which can be defined as all techniques to alter the genome of an organism developed after 2001. The study indicates that NGTs have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable food system as part of the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. The study also found that the current GMO legislation, adopted in 2001, is not fit for purpose for these innovative technologies. As a result, the EC will now begin an open consultation process to discuss the design of a new legal framework for these biotechnologies.

The main findings of the study are outlined below:

• NGT products have the potential to contribute to sustainable food systems with plants more resistant to diseases, environmental conditions and climate change effects. The products can benefit from higher nutritional qualities such as healthier fatty acid content, and reduced need of agricultural inputs such as pesticides.
• By contributing to the EU's objectives of innovation and sustainability of food systems, as well as a more competitive economy, NGTs can have benefits for many sectors of our societies.
• The study also analysed concerns associated with NGT products and their current and future applications. Concerns included the possible safety and environmental impact, for example, on biodiversity, the coexistence with organic and GM-free agriculture, as well as labelling.
• NGTs are a very diverse set of techniques and can achieve different results, with some plant products produced by NGTs being as safe as conventionally bred plants for human and animal health and for the environment.
• The study finds that there are strong indications that the current 2001 GMO legislation is not fit for purpose for some NGTs and their products, and that it needs adaptation to scientific and technological progress.

The EC’s Farm to Fork Strategy, announced in 2020, is aimed at transforming the EU’s food system and includes plans to reduce pesticide usage by 50% (see AgbioNews May 21, 2020).