Votes · 17 June 2026
Plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed
This vote is about plants obtained by new genomic techniques (new GMOs) and their use in food.
Background
“New genomic techniques” (NGTs) make it possible to edit a plant’s DNA precisely, for example with CRISPR “genetic scissors”, without adding a gene from another species. This text, negotiated with governments, decides whether such plants must follow the strict GMO rules. Supporters see a tool to adapt farming to climate change; opponents fear for the environment, organic farming and the grip of patents.
- “NGT-1” plants, with few changes, are treated like conventional plants, unless they are made herbicide-tolerant or insecticide-producing.
- “NGT-2” plants, with more changes, remain under GMO legislation.
- Patents remain allowed, with safeguards against market concentration.
- The rules also apply to imported plants; they are due to apply about two years after publication.
Rejected: 201 for, 431 against, 29 abstentions, 58 did not vote.
Reference: A10-0175/2026