On 5 July 2023, the European Commission published a proposal for a Regulation introducing new rules for plants produced using new genomic techniques (NGT). The Commission divides NGT plants into two categories with different requirements. Category 1 includes plants that could be produced by conventional breeding. They are exempt from the requirements of current GMO legislation. This means no risk assessment for human health and the environment, no labelling for consumers as a genetically modified organism and no traceability of genetic engineering along the value chain.

In view of the massive consequences for consumers and producers, AK concludes that the current Commission proposal, which leads to a deregulation in the field of NGT, requires a fundamental and comprehensive revision. The European Parliament and the Council are now called upon to substantially improve this proposal in the interest of consumers in order not to undermine existing consumer rights.