AI Insight
The European Union adopted new legislation in June 2026 establishing a two-tiered regulatory framework for plants developed using new genomic techniques (NGTs). Category 1 plants (NGT-1), which contain limited genetic changes that could occur naturally or through conventional breeding, will be regulated similarly to conventionally bred plants after a two-year transition period. Category 2 plants with more extensive modifications will continue to be regulated under existing GMO rules.
Why it matters
This legislative change could accelerate the development and commercialization of gene-edited crops in the EU by reducing regulatory barriers for plants with minor genetic modifications. The new framework may enable faster deployment of climate-resilient and disease-resistant crop varieties while maintaining stricter oversight of more extensively modified organisms.
Understand the Science
The European Union adopted new legislation on plants obtained through certain new genomic techniques in June 2026. The new framework will apply after a two-year transition period. It distinguishes between two categories. Plants in Category 1 (NGT-1) have a limited number and type of genetic changes that could also occur naturally or through conventional breeding. Under the new legislation, they will largely be regulated like conventionally bred plants. Category 2 plants with more extensive or complex modifications will remain subject to the existing genetically modified organism (GMO) rules.
Source: Plant scientist explains the impact of the EU's new gene-editing rules