EU eases rules on GMO plants: a good move?
The European Parliament has approved the deregulation of plants developed using genetic editing technology in food production. The new directive will mean that if the plant in question could in theory have been bred in a certain way naturally – i.e., no foreign genes have been introduced – the labelling requirements and most environmental assessments will no longer apply.
Europe must stay on the ball here too
The EU has decided it doesn't want to be left behind on the international stage, L'Opinion observes:
“First of all it is a decision in favour of competitiveness vis-à-vis rivals who have a substantial lead. Secondly, it is a decision in favour of self-sufficiency which makes the cultivation of crops that are resistant to drought and disease possible. Thirdly, it is a future-oriented decision, in that it prioritises cutting-edge research, which is at risk of being sidelined. In short: a decision to be strong. Let's not kid ourselves: these genetically modified plants are to agriculture what AI is to the digital world: a paradigm shift. The fact that the EU is embracing this revolution is a good sign.”
Pave the way for innovation while limiting risks
Society must find a middle way, argues Les Echos:
“The key lies in placing our trust once and for all in the scientific community. Admittedly, this community is often divided, and science can be wrong, but time and research usually allow a consensus to emerge. ... Finally, the freedom to innovate is not a carte blanche. Our democracies regulate and provide a framework that aims to limit risks and excesses. Anyone who believes that we are victims of unscrupulous lobbies that advocate a dangerous laissez-faire approach simply to defend their own interests is oversimplifying.”
A step away from black-or-white thinking
Der Tagesspiegel praises the move:
“Whereas supermarket labelling used to be an 'all or nothing’ affair, nowadays there are nuances. ... The new EU regulation comes with the promise that, thanks to NGT [New Genomic Techniques], one day it will be possible to use fewer pesticides and less fertiliser, thereby protecting nature and drinking water. ... For consumers, this boosts the likelihood of their choosing a genetically enhanced product that is just as healthy as one that has been conventionally grown. And consumers who remain sceptical will still be able to avoid modern breeding methods: NGT-1 plants remain banned in organic farming.”
Potential environmental impact ignored
Die Zeit criticises the move:
“This mainly benefits companies that rely on large volumes of standardised products for global markets and supply chains, as well as on affluent customers for products derived from plants that have been enriched with vitamins or substances that lower blood pressure. Depending on where and to what extent the new techniques interfere with plants' metabolism, they may have undesirable consequences for people's health and the environment. Especially given that deregulation also enables genetic engineers to tinker with wild plants and release them into the environment. However, the Commission and the new majority in the European Parliament have repeatedly and hastily downplayed potential ecological impacts during the legislative process.”