Following the European Commission's publication of a "summary report", outlining some of the key findings of its public consultation into New Genomic Techniques, we take a deep dive into the responses, many of which reveal some interesting truths about, for example, the food sector's desire for maintining the status quo on risk assessments.

The answers to the questionnaire are particularly revealing in the light of the European Commission’s newly published (on 18th October) Work Program for 2023 which officially announces its intention to present a legislative proposal to deregulate New GMOs, scheduled for the second half of 2023. It will be interesting to find out whether the Commission takes on board the food sector's opinion on New GMOs.

Find out more what the key responses were in our detailed assement of the Commission's findings.

Save the date: 09-10 May 2023, Frankfurt, Germany

ENGA, along with key partners, will co-host a one and a half day summit on Securing and Strengthening the Non-GMO Market. The International Summit will bring together producers and traders from South America and Europe to inform, debate and discuss the Non-GMO market, including availability and production needs of Non-GMO crops. The summit will also provide retailers and food brands with the opportunity to put the spotlight on their sustainability and deforestation commitments and Non-GMO strategies. 

We hope that this International Summit will become a powerful forum and exchange opportunity for all partners within the Non-GMO value chain.

More information and registration details will follow – stay tuned!

This month ENGA joined more than 60 organisations, based in the UK and the EU, calling on retailers to exercise their influence to support civil society and consumers who want New GMOs to be clearly labelled, according to current legislation. The letter asks that retailers take a stand against policy makers’ attempts to deregulate New GMOs.

In the letter, the organisations raise their deep concern about the ongoing processes leading towards a deregulation of New GMOs both in England and the EU. They flagged up the huge risk that if these deregulation plans go ahead, existing requirements for GMO risk assessment, traceability and labelling would be abandoned for a wide range of genetically modified organisms.