New gene editing techniques (NGTs) for food could boost agricultural production and contribute to the competitiveness and resilience of European agriculture, Rural Development & Food Minister Lefteris Avgenakis said at the informal Council of European Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries in Córdoba, Spain.
The minister appeared particularly supportive towards new gene editing techniques (NGTs), which have recently caused headaches to member states since the European Commission proposed to relax related rules in July.
Until now, these techniques have been subject to the EU’s famous GMO directive with a strict authorisation procedure. However, scientists have argued that gene editing techniques are significantly milder and more advanced and pose no risk.
“Biotechnology via new genomic techniques enhances the farmer’s toolbox for all production models, small and large scale,” the Greek minister said.
Avgenakis also pointed out that “innovation is the driving force behind the competitiveness and resilience of European agriculture” and that it is now a prerequisite “to create new varieties to provide stable yields (…) “both for securing agricultural income and for food sufficiency”.
Similarly, a few days earlier, the Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný told EURACTIV that new gene editing techniques could help the EU tackle climate change and the challenge of feeding its population.
As EURACTIV previously reported, EU agriculture ministers are particularly divided on relaxing gene editing rules, with Hungary and Austria expressing explicit criticism and Germany raising concerns about the patentability of NGTs.
Avgenakis seems to consider gene editing techniques not only as a driving force of its competitiveness but also as essential for the future and sustainability of European agriculture, as he noted that “the present and future of production is linked to scientific progress”.
However, his position against the relaxation of these rules proposed by the Commission does not seem to be clarified as he only pointed out that a clear legislative framework must be established which will encompass the new gene editing techniques.
“The benefits [of gene editing techniques] for European agriculture based on the results of research on new gene editing techniques will only come about after introducing a clarified legislative framework,” Avgenakis said.
This could be “the basis of which policy, investment, cooperation and promotion actions can be designed,” the minister added.
“We are looking for plants of high nutritional value for consumers, which can better adapt to changing climatic conditions,” he concluded.
(Marianthi Pelekanaki | EURACTIV.gr)
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