Good news!
Out of largely exaggerated fears, genetically modified crops were almost demonized for decades.
"The European Commission proposed revising its rules on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on Wednesday to loosen some restrictions for plants resulting from newer gene-editing technology.
The EU executive said the move would give farmers more resilient crops and reduce the use of chemical pesticides and offer consumers food with higher nutritional value. ...
On Wednesday the Commission proposed splitting new genomic technique (NGT) plants into two categories.
Those that could also occur naturally or by conventional breeding would be exempted from GMO legislation and labelling requirements. All other NGT plants would be treated as GMOs, requiring risk assessments and authorisation.
Plants will qualify for the first category if there are no more than 20 genetic modifications.
A faster track approval process would apply for the second category of plants if, for example, they are more tolerant to climate change or require less water or fertiliser.
The proposal needs approval from the European Parliament and EU governments and may be revised. ...
Bayer, the world’s second-largest seeds and pesticides maker, described the proposal as "ground-breaking".
"Plant breeding normally takes more than a decade from the first positive research results to market entry. Gene editing allows us to cut five years out of this process," ...
Biotech industry group EuropaBio urged an extension of the rules to cover micro-organisms. ..."
No comments:
Post a Comment