EU Proposal on New Genomic Techniques Risks Undermining Farmers’ Rights, Consumer Choice, and Food Security, Warns European Committee of the Regions

The European Union’s proposal on new genomic techniques (NGTs) risks undermining farmers’ rights, consumer freedom, and food security, according to a recent report by the European Committee of the Regions, as cited by Euractiv.

Without strong safeguards on patents, traceability, and biodiversity, the legislation could accelerate corporate control over agriculture, jeopardizing sustainability and small-scale farming across Europe.

The European Commission recently unveiled its regulatory framework for plants developed using NGTs, marking a new chapter for GMOs. The proposal has been presented by the Commission as a cornerstone of the EU’s future sustainable agriculture.

Under intense pressure from the European Commission, both the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions have swiftly responded to the proposal, which has been stalled in the Council of the European Union for several months.

As the legislative process nears resolution, we, as social democrats, reaffirm our commitment to protecting the interests of both consumers and farmers.

Serious Concerns Over the Proposal

Our concerns are clear and consistent. We strongly believe that the proposed regulation fails to address the critical challenges of:

• Climate change adaptation
• Organic farming development
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable agriculture
• Fair incomes for farmers
• Rural revitalization

The Polish Presidency, in a commendable effort to reach consensus, proposed key revisions regarding patents and traceability—two of the most sensitive areas for both the Parliament and the Committee of the Regions.

However, despite these efforts, the legislation still poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of farmers and the future of sustainable agriculture in Europe.

Risks for Farmers and Consumer Rights

By failing to establish mechanisms for detecting and identifying new GMOs, the legislation endangers small and medium-sized farmers. Without such safeguards, farmers may unknowingly cultivate contaminated fields or use seeds with NGT traits—exposing themselves to patent infringement lawsuits and jeopardizing their production.

Moreover, the proposed law undermines the freedom of choice for consumers, regions, and Member States. These stakeholders would lose the ability to apply the precautionary principle or ban NGTs within their borders.

We stand firmly with EU regions, municipalities, and the European Parliament in supporting a ban on patents for plants and natural genes. Ensuring farmers’ access to genetic resources is vital for variety innovation, especially for small traditional seed companies that cannot afford high licensing fees.

A Call for Full Transparency and Strategic Autonomy

We also call for full traceability and improved labeling of NGT products to protect consumer choice and shield farmers from unintentional contamination.

In a world of rising geopolitical instability, the EU cannot afford to weaken its grip on food security. Abandoning our strategic autonomy in this sector and handing over control to a handful of multinational corporations—already dominating over 60% of the global seed market—would be a grave mistake.

Conclusion

We urge the European Union to prioritize the interests of farmers, consumers, and the environment. Let us establish a regulatory framework that truly reflects the principles of sustainability, fairness, and precaution.

The stakes are too high to allow corporate interests to dictate the future of European agriculture.