Why patents keep stalling EU rules for gene-edited crops

Why patents keep stalling EU rules for gene-edited crops

EU ambassadors are set to vote tomorrow on the latest draft compromise on new genomic techniques (NGTs).

Scientist Who Gene-Hacked Human Babies Says Ethics Are "Holding Back" Scientific Progress

It's been nearly three years since controversial Chinese biophysicist He Jiankui was released from prison for gene-hacking human babies — and now, he appears to be hitting back at the rules that led to his punishment. In a cryptic post on X that featured a photo of the scientist blankly staring directly into the camera, He wrote that "ethics is holding back scientific innovation and progress." Though he doesn't mention it directly, that post see…

Unpacking EU’s food fight over new gene-edited supercrops

After months of standstill, the EU’s plan to ease restrictions on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) could move forward on Friday, pushing efforts from factory farm capitals to bypass concerns from countries worried about small and organic farmers. Here's why it’s controversial — and how Poland’s stance has shifted the balance.

Euroseeds Welcomes Coreper Outcome and Calls for a Forward-looking Approach on NGTs

Euroseeds applauds the outcome of today’s Coreper meeting, a significant milestone for the future of plant breeding innovation in Europe.  The Council’s decision to begin trilogue negotiations with the EU Parliament and Commission on the New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) proposal sets the stage for further advancements in this legislative framework. “Reaching a balanced Council position on NGTs is a significant step forward. It is now essential that…

A framework for the use in Europe of plants modified by genome editing techniques is being built. We must avoid the errors that have been made with the dogmatic rejection of GMOs, because these new plants will reduce the use of pesticides.