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The EU Environment Committee has voted on new rules for grape varieties that have been bred using new genetic engineering (NGT) such as the Crispr/Cas gene scissors. New genetic engineering methods could help to develop more climate and pest-resistant plants that require fewer pesticides and fertilisers. MEPs voted in favour of the Commission's proposal to introduce two different categories of genetically modified plants, including grape varieties.
Vines that have been modified using techniques such as Crispr/Cas should fall into the NGT-1 category and be treated in the same way as conventionally bred plants in terms of risk assessment and authorisation. They would thus be exempt from the strict requirements of the Genetic Engineering Ordinance (GMO).
Plants and vines in the NGT-2 category would continue to be subject to the requirements of GMO legislation, including mandatory labelling of products. MEPs agreed to an accelerated risk assessment procedure subject to strict conditions. The prerequisite for faster authorisation is that no foreign genes are inserted into new grape varieties, for example, and that a defined number of genetic modifications is not exceeded.
According to the decision, all NGT vines should remain prohibited for organic production, as their compatibility requires further consideration, as stated in a press release. Patents on all genetically modified plants, plant material, parts thereof, genetic information and process characteristics they contain should be completely banned.
(al / Source: EU Parliament)