European Parliament approves new genomic techniques for agricultural crops

On June 17, 2026, the European Parliament (EP) formally approved a regulation concerning plants obtained through New Genomic Techniques (NGTs).

According to the EP press service, the new rules mark a shift toward regulating plants based on their final genetic characteristics rather than the method used to create them.

“Plants modified using NGTs must be divided into two categories with different legal obligations,” the statement said.

NGT-1 is a category intended for plants with a limited number and type of genetic changes that could also occur through conventional breeding. Once compliance with NGT-1 criteria is confirmed, these plants will be treated in the same way as conventionally bred plants.

Under the Parliament’s requirements, plants modified to be herbicide-tolerant or to produce insecticidal substances cannot qualify as NGT-1 plants.

NGT-2 covers plants that have undergone more extensive or complex genetic modifications. These plants will remain subject to the EU’s existing strict GMO rules and risk assessment requirements. They must obtain authorization before being commercialized within the European Union.

“These rules will apply to both EU-produced and imported plants. Some products derived from NGT plants are already available on the market or are at an advanced stage of development outside the EU. Examples include low-gluten wheat, pathogen-resistant potatoes, and drought-tolerant maize,” the Parliament explained.

Full traceability and labeling will remain mandatory for NGT-2 plants, and EU member states may restrict or prohibit their cultivation even if they are authorized at the EU level. Plant varieties containing or derived from NGT-1 plants will be listed in a public EU database, while all seed packages and reproductive material must carry an “NGT-1” label to enable farmers to make informed choices.

The regulation also establishes mandatory monitoring of the impact of NGT plants on sustainability.

NGTs will not be permitted in organic production. However, the technically unavoidable presence of NGT-1 plants will not be considered a breach of organic standards. The European Commission will assess whether the regulation creates any administrative, economic, or practical burdens for organic operators, including impacts on their own perceptions and those of consumers.

The regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and will become applicable two years later.

Tags: EU, legislation, GM