Article “The European Union is considering lifting the ban on the precise breeding of plants, which could significantly impact agricultural practices and crop development within the region” in Novaator.

The European Union has historically been cautious about the creation and widespread cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), despite such technologies being utilized elsewhere to improve crop yields. However, a recent vote in the European Parliament could potentially open the door for the use of a technique previously encompassed by GMO regulation, known as precision breeding. This development is seen positively by scientists and breeders, although the final approval for relaxing regulations requires consent from member states, needing at least 15 countries’ support, representing at least 65% of the EU population.

Liina Jakobson, head of the Variety Breeding Department at the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge, distinguishes new breeding techniques from GMOs, emphasizing that new breeding techniques do not involve inserting foreign genetic material into plants. This clarification comes after the European Court’s 2018 decision to classify such techniques under GMO directives, a move that has significantly hindered their use within the EU compared to the rest of the world where they have been freely utilized since.

Precision breeding replicates minor mutations in the genome similar to those traditionally used in crop breeding for a century, aimed at enhancing specific traits like disease resistance without the random outcomes associated with conventional breeding methods. This approach allows for more targeted and efficient crop improvement, which is crucial for adapting to climate change and reducing the dependency on chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

The potential for new breeding techniques to contribute to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience is acknowledged by both farmers and governmental bodies, with a general positive attitude towards these technologies. This optimism is shared by Hannes Kollist, a plant biologist from the University of Tartu, who points out the necessity of embracing new breeding techniques to meet the goals of reducing agricultural pollution and chemical use as stipulated in the EU’s Green Deal. However, the classification of such modified plants under GMO regulation complicates their introduction to the market, a situation that is seen as politically charged and met with skepticism, particularly from organic producers influenced by the anti-GMO stance of powerful organizations and green parties in countries like Germany and Austria.

In summary, the EU is at a crossroads, with the potential to embrace precision breeding and other new breeding techniques to enhance crop resilience, reduce environmental impact, and adapt to changing climate conditions. The decision to relax GMO directives could mark a significant shift in agricultural innovation within the EU, aligning its practices more closely with those of the rest of the world and addressing the urgent needs of both conventional and organic agriculture in the face of global challenges.

Read the full article in Estonian: https://novaator.err.ee/1609252524/taimede-tappisaretus-voib-euroopa-liidus-keelu-alt-paaseda