21st May 2025, Brussels – At a lunch seminar co-hosted by MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis (S&D) and Plants for the Future ETP, participants came together to explore how New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) can offer tangible benefits for consumers. The event focused on showcasing real-world examples of NGT applications and how public understanding can positively shape acceptance.
MEP Andriukaitis, who also previously served as European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, opened the seminar by underlining the urgency of embracing science and innovation in plant breeding to meet global food, climate and sustainability challenges. “Crop improvement has been done for centuries by means of conventional techniques, all leading to genetic changes in the plant. Today, innovative techniques represent the next step in plant breeding and allow us to make the desired genetic changes with very high efficiency and precision.”
Richard Wells from UK-based start-up Tropic Biosciences introduced their reduced-browning banana, which hit the market in March. Designed to cut food waste and costs while increasing convenience for consumers, it’s just one of several NGT-enabled banana varieties Tropic is developing. He stressed the importance of a regulatory framework that supports innovation and market access for SMEs, ultimately for the benefit of consumers at large.
Jens Sundström from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences presented findings from a recent study on public opinion in Sweden. Despite low awareness of NGTs, the study revealed strong support for their use when the traits are considered socially or environmentally beneficial. “As a scientist and teacher it is encouraging that people with self-reported good knowledge about gene-editing, also tend to be positive towards its applications in agriculture. This tells me that gene-editing is not a politicised issue and that people still have an open mind.”
The seminar concluded with a discussion among participants from research, breeding, farming and policy sectors, and closing remarks from Plants for the Future Chair César González. He emphasised the need to align EU legislation with scientific progress, in order to unlock the full potential of plant breeding innovation for consumers and the entire agri-food value chain.
Download the Press Release of the event here.
