The European Parliament has given its final approval to the Regulation on new genomic techniques (NGTs), a decision regarded as strategic for the future of European agriculture and for the European Union’s ability to remain competitive in agri-food innovation.

This decision marks an important milestone for European agriculture and innovation and is the result of years of scientific work, policy discussions and intensive negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission.

The new framework offers a balanced, science-based approach that enables innovation in plant breeding while ensuring transparency, safety and legal clarity throughout the agricultural and food value chain. It creates the conditions for developing improved varieties that can help address some of the most pressing challenges facing European agriculture today, including climate change, growing pressure from weeds, pests and diseases, resource efficiency and long-term food security.

Following this step, a new transitional phase will begin, allowing time for the adoption of implementing rules. The new framework is expected to start applying in practice from mid-2028.