Stakeholder Dialogue: Harnessing NGTs for Agricultural Competitiveness

14 October 2025 – Plant ETP organised a high-level stakeholder dialogue at the Renaissance Hotel in Brussels, co-hosted by Members of the European Parliament and bringing together farmers, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in European agriculture.

On Tuesday the 14th October Plant ETP co-hosted a high-level stakeholder dialogue at the Renaissance Hotel in Brussels, bringing together Members of the European Parliament, farmers, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in European agriculture.

The event, titled “Stakeholder Dialogue: Harnessing NGTs for Agricultural Competitiveness”, addressed the mounting challenges facing European agriculture, from climate change and pest pressures to market instability, and emphasized the critical role of NGTs in ensuring food security, resilience, and competitiveness.

Key messages from the dialogue included:

  • “We need NGTs now!”; highlighting the urgent need for market access to NGTs to support farmers and maintain EU competitiveness.
  • The importance of simplification, transparency, and coherence in the regulatory framework.
  • A strong call for science-based policymaking to guide innovation and sustainability.

Read the full press release here

Welcome

Germán Vighi – Executive Manager, Plant ETP

Christensen

Asger Christensen – Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe)

Kolher

Stefan Köhler – Member of the European Parliament (epp)

Panel

René Custers – Regulatory Manager VIB – Flemish Institute for Biotechnology

Anja Matzk – Head of Regulatory Affairs KWS – Plant breeding and seed company

Max Schulman – Arable Farmer and Senior Advisor MTK – Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners

Mammi

Alessio Mammi – Regional Minister for Agriculture, Emilia-Romagna & Member of the European Committee of the Regions

Bonnacini

Stefano Bonaccini – Member of the European Parliament (S&D)