EU Lawmakers Approve Easing of Rules on Gene-Edited Crops

Brussels lawmakers gave final approval earlier this week to easing restrictions on plants obtained by new genomic techniques, or NGTs. The change allows broader use of gene-edited crops that developers say will improve resistance to drought and disease. France 24 reported that the move is intended to help agriculture adapt to climate change.

The new rules reduce previous limits on NGT-derived plants. Small-scale farmers have expressed concern that the change will increase costs and concentrate control of seeds. They said expensive new varieties and patent ownership by large biotech companies could widen inequality.

Agnès Ricroch, lecturer and researcher at AgroParisTech and Adjunct Professor at Pennsylvania State University, discussed the decision in an interview with France 24. She addressed the technical background and the differing views among stakeholders.