The agreement still needs endorsements from the Council and the Parliament before formal adoption, delaying final implementation.

The European Union has reached a provisional deal to relax labeling rules for certain products created with New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), establishing two categories: in one, end-products won’t require labeling while seeds must be labeled; in the other, stricter rules remain for more extensive genetic changes.

Experts and consumer groups weigh in on transparency, consumer autonomy, and the pace of regulatory change as the debate continues.

The deal is seen as a contentious balance between enabling innovation and protecting consumer rights and sustainable farming, with ongoing debates over patents and the labeling regime.

Controversies focus on environmental impact, traceability, and patenting of NGT plants, with concerns about unpredictable ecological effects and food chain implications.

Critics insist on consumer choice and transparency, warning about patent concentration; farmers would still be allowed seed-saving, but some crops resisting herbicides or producing insecticides are exempt from the new rules.

Safety standards will remain as strict as those for crops produced through traditional crossing and selection, with challenges in distinguishing gene-edited from naturally bred plants, especially for CRISPR/Cas edits.

Critics warn the reform could favor large agribusiness and concentrate patents, potentially disadvantaging small seed companies and undermining consumer interests.

Safeguards are included to prevent market concentration and keep farmer access affordable, though environmental groups worry about loss of breeder’s exemptions and dominance by a few large firms.

Proponents anticipate higher yields, climate resilience, and more nutritious varieties, along with easier scientific research and increased competitiveness for farmers.

Advocates say the reforms could speed up development of climate-resilient and disease-resistant crops, accelerate traditional breeding, and support a public patent database to reduce infringement risk.

They also argue reform will boost EU agricultural competitiveness, potentially reducing water use and enhancing disease resistance in new varieties.