On June 17th 2026, the European Parliament has adopted the new Regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), providing Europe with a modern framework for plant breeding innovation.
The framework marks a significant turning point for agri-biotech innovation in Europe. By shifting the regulatory focus from how a plant was developed to its final genetic characteristics, the European Union is opening the door to faster development and deployment of improved crop varieties while maintaining robust safety and transparency standards.
The outcome introduces a clear approach to NGTs, distinguishing between plants similar to conventional breeding (Category 1) and those requiring GMO assessment (Category 2). It also paves the way for a workable and proportionate regulatory framework, helping unlock innovation, strengthen resilience and sustainability, and support Europe’s competitiveness in the global agri-food system.
For ag-tech developers, this evolution creates both new opportunities and new complexities. Organizations seeking to accelerate their breeding programs and navigate evolving regulations, reach out to SynTech Research Group. The team is equipped to help navigate this evolving landscape from early breeding to field validation and regulatory approval.
Contact us to learn more about how SynTech Research can help you amidst this new framework.