New regulations passed by the European Parliament in Strasbourg stipulate that the genetic characteristics of crops, rather than their breeding method, will determine their regulation. These rules are intended to ease the access to plants that are resistant to pests and climate changes.
The new stipulations regarding genomic procedures, which Parliament and the Council agreed upon in December 2025, divide crops altered using modern genomic techniques into two categories, each with different legal requirements.
Category NGT-1 includes plants with a limited number and type of genetic alterations that could potentially occur through conventional breeding. If these crops meet the specified criteria, they will be treated as standard plants. However, notably, plants that possess increased resistance or produce substances capable of killing insects and larvae cannot be classified under NGT-1.
Conversely, Category NGT-2 applies to crops with more comprehensive genetic modifications and must comply with the rigorous rules governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Selling NGT-2 plants within the EU requires obtaining explicit approval. For these crops, full traceability and specific labeling remain mandatory, and EU member states retain the right to limit or prohibit their cultivation on their territories.
Furthermore, new genomic technologies are not authorized for use in organic products. While the accidental presence of NGT-1 plants will not be considered a violation, the regulation requires that the impact of NGT plants on overall sustainability must be continuously monitored.
