Joint Position Paper – Protect science-based approach to traceability and labelling of NGTs
Joint Position Paper
30th April 2025
Plants for the Future ETP joins call to protect science-based approach to traceability and labelling of NGTs
Plants for the Future ETP has joined over 25 agri-food value chain organisations in signing a joint position paper urging EU policymakers to reject unjustified traceability and labelling requirements for Category 1 plants and products obtained through New Genomic Techniques (NGTs).
As trialogue negotiations on the proposed NGT Regulation approach, the signatories express strong concern that additional traceability and labelling measures for conventional-like NGTs would be discriminatory, technically unfeasible, economically damaging, and risk undermining the very spirit of the legislative proposal — which aims to clearly distinguish these products from GMOs.
The letter highlights that Category 1 NGT plants, by definition, are indistinguishable from conventional varieties using current analytical methods, making traceability technically impractical and enforcement nearly impossible. Mandatory labelling would require physical segregation along the entire supply chain, driving up costs, creating trade barriers, and ultimately disincentivising innovation — especially among SMEs and public research institutions.
Moreover, the signatories emphasise that labelling Category 1 NGT products could mislead consumers by implying safety differences that do not exist, despite EFSA confirming their equivalence to conventional plants. The existing transparency tools foreseen in the proposal — including databases and variety catalogues — already provide sufficient information for stakeholders to make informed choices.
Together, we call on the EU institutions to maintain a proportionate, workable, and science-based regulatory framework that fosters responsible innovation while safeguarding transparency and competitiveness in the EU agri-food sector.
Plant ETP remains committed to supporting innovation that enables sustainable food, feed, and bio-based systems — and to contributing to balanced policymaking rooted in evidence and dialogue.
Read the full Joint Position Paper here.