Article
New genomic techniques require balanced legislation
Published: 02/08/2024
COCERAL has delivered a letter on the evolutionary legislation on new genomic techniques. The new legislative framework was expected to be unveiled in late June, according to the latest information available, and some political choices must still be made, including on traceability and transparency of ‘conventional-like’ new genomic techniques (NGTs).
In COCERAL’s perspective, it is important not to impose traceability, labelling, and coexistence measures that place specific obligations on producers growing conventional-like NGT varieties. This is specifically important in the global context, considering the trade-related challenges that might arise in case the EU’s approach does not align with the enabling policies increasingly being adopted by Europe’s trade partners.
In addition, imposing extra requirements (traceability, segregation, and labelling) on conventional-like NGT products would be discriminatory, not proportionate and not science-based. Eventually, in a market-oriented, consumer-driven food value chain, freedom of choice means that legitimate production choices have economic consequences, i.e., food business operators have to bear the costs for the benefits. Transparency, traceability, and segregation should reflect this baseline principle.
So far this assumption has governed the relationship between conventional and premium price/niche markets well, including the organic sector, and should remain in place. – COCERAL