Biotech firms point to sustainability benefits of NGTs

Netherlands-based plant biotechnology firm Hudson River has welcomed the EU’s updated framework for genomic techniques (NGTs) and its recognition that targeted changes that could also arise naturally or through conventional breeding should not automatically be regulated like traditional GM crops.

Fresh produce could be one of the biggest beneficiaries, according to CEO Ferdinand Los. “Growers face climate volatility, water scarcity, new pests and diseases, pressure to reduce pesticides and demanding retail specifications,” he told Fruitnet. “NGTs could help breeders develop resistance to disease and environmental stress more quickly, while improving shelf-life, taste, nutritional value and resistance to bruising or discolouration. In a perishable supply chain, even modest improvements could significantly reduce waste.”

However, Los warned that new varieties would not appear overnight. “Breeding, trials, registration, seed multiplication and consumer acceptance still take time, and the technology must address genuine grower and consumer needs,” he said. “Nevertheless, clearer and more proportionate regulation should make European research and commercial development more attractive.”

He said the EU’s delay in granting approval had put it at a disadvantage, but believes European companies make up the lost ground.

“The US, Canada and UK moved earlier towards systems that distinguish certain precision-bred plants from conventional GMOs, giving breeders greater certainty and more time to invest, conduct trials and build expertise,” he explained. “European growers have consequently risked later access to varieties that could reduce inputs and improve climate resilience.

“However, Europe can catch up. It remains a major market, has excellent plant-science capabilities and is particularly strong in horticultural breeding. A harmonised framework also provides access to the whole EU single market. The priority now is effective implementation before 2028, without unnecessary complexity and with fair access for smaller breeders and growers.”

For UK biotechnology firms like Phytoform Labs, the development is also a positive one, according to Antony Chapman. “For tomato production in Europe, I think this is a very positive step,” he said. “Companies with gene-editing capabilities, including Phytoform, can now consider the EU as a target market. That means Phytoform can deliver the health and sustainability benefits of NGTs directly to the EU food industry and consumers.”

He said that NGTs could help to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by EU growers, including rising temperatures, changing disease pressures, reduced chemical inputs and, ultimately, meeting evolving consumer demands.

“NGTs give breeders another tool to respond to those challenges more quickly and precisely, maintaining their breeding efforts while Phytoform adds additional value at a fraction of the traditional timelines,” he explained. “For us, the most exciting part is the opportunity to create new solutions for the EU food industry and consumers. Together with existing EU genetics stakeholders we will address the most pressing challenges much more effectively. Phytoform already has a number of more sustainable and nutritious crop products going to market in other companies. We will now be positioning some of these solutions to bring benefit to the EU market as quickly as possible.”

Los said that although questions remained around patents, market concentration, transparency, organic production and consumer confidence, NGTs were a “valuable addition”.

“Overall, this is an important modernisation and a valuable addition to the fresh produce sector’s toolbox,” he said. “Not a silver bullet, but a way to develop better-adapted varieties more quickly.’

The new EU rules will apply fully from 17 July 2028, providing time for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to issue scientific guidance.