The European Commission is considering easing the application of gene technologies in agriculture and horticulture. Genetically modified crops developed with techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 would no longer be classified as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The leaked proposal shifts the approach to genetic technologies, placing more emphasis on potential benefits and less on possible risks. As a result, these crops would no longer have to fall under the same strict regulations as traditional GMOs.
According to planning in Brussels, the EU Commissioners were to present their decision on the future loosening of gene technology in three weeks (July 5), although this has become uncertain due to recent disagreements over the nature restoration proposal. Climate Commissioner Frans Timmermans stated last month that the Green Deal, as far as he is concerned, is one package: including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the farm-to-fork food strategy, biodiversity, and environmental and climate policies.
Timmermans made it clear that it cannot be the case that agricultural-oriented factions can simply reject environmental-friendly proposals that they do not favor. "It is both one and the other," he said. The Christian Democratic EPP/CDA faction interpreted this as 'blackmail.'
Reactions to the prematurely leaked proposal are divided. Supporters argue that the new techniques have enormous potential to make agriculture and horticulture more sustainable and resilient. They point to the possibility of making crops resistant to diseases, which can increase yields and reduce pesticide use.
On the other hand, critics express concerns about possible risks to biodiversity and food safety. Environmental groups claim that genetically modified crops can pose threats to human and animal health due to the consumption of genetically modified foods.
Some large agrochemical companies welcome a potential easing of EU regulations because it would allow them to bring new genetically modified crops to market more quickly. Conversely, smaller organic farmers and food producers worry that it could lead to unfair competition.