The Council and the European Parliament finalize a provisional deal that simplifies the regulation of improved crops and ensures greater sustainability.
The main point of the agreement is the division of NTG plants into two categories, thus determining their level of regulation.
- Category 1 or NTG-1: these are the plants considered equivalent to conventional or natural varieties. These are exempt from the requirements of legislation on Genetically Modified Organisms.
- Category 2 or NGT-2: these are plants with more complex or less “natural/equivalent” modifications. These remain subject to the strict requirements of GMO regulations.
The agreement includes exceptions for certain traits of category NTG-1, which forces them to be classified as NTG-2: tolerance to herbicides and the production of a known insecticidal substance. It also allows Member States to apply an opt-out clause to prohibit the cultivation of NTG-2 plants in their territory. The regulation also introduces the obligation to publish information on existing or pending patents for NTG-1 in a public database and promotes voluntary licenses under fair conditions.