Brussels, June 18, 2026 – The Europe Today: The European Parliament has adopted new regulations aimed at facilitating access to innovative plant varieties that are more resistant to climate change and pests, offer higher yields, and require reduced use of pesticides.
The amended framework on new genomic techniques (NGTs) had been provisionally agreed between the European Parliament and the Council in December 2025. The new legislation represents a shift in the EU’s regulatory approach, focusing on the final genetic traits of plants rather than the methods used to develop them.
Under the new rules, NGT-altered plants will be classified into two categories with distinct regulatory requirements.
The first category, NGT-1, covers plants with a limited number of genetic modifications that could also occur through conventional breeding methods. Once verified as meeting the criteria, these plants will be treated in the same way as conventionally bred crops. However, following amendments proposed by the Parliament, plants engineered for herbicide tolerance or insecticidal properties will not be eligible for NGT-1 classification.
The second category, NGT-2, includes plants with more complex genetic modifications. These will remain subject to existing strict EU genetically modified organism (GMO) regulations, including mandatory risk assessments and authorization prior to market approval.
The new regulatory framework will apply to both domestically developed and imported plant varieties. Several NGT-based products are already available or under development outside the European Union, including low-gluten wheat, disease-resistant potatoes, and drought-tolerant maize.
Rapporteur Jessica Polfjärd welcomed the adoption of the legislation, describing it as a milestone for European agriculture. “This is a historic victory for Europe’s farmers and Europe’s future. By approving the use of NGTs, we have chosen innovation, competitiveness, and food security,” she said.
She added that the new rules respond to long-standing demands from farmers seeking access to modern breeding technologies that can improve crop resilience and reduce dependence on pesticides.
The regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal and will become applicable two years thereafter.
