On July 5, the European Commission adopted a proposal to deregulate plants produced by certain new genomic techniques. Genetically engineered plants that contain genetic material from the same plant (targeted mutagenesis) or from crossable plants (cisgenesis, including intragenesis) will no longer be regulated. Transgenic plants (which contain genetic material from non-crossable species) will remain subject to the standing GMO legislation. In May, a similar approach was adopted by the Canadian government.
Without mandatory traceability and labelling of genetically engineered plants and seeds, it will be difficult for farmers - and consumers - to make informed choices. The organic sector is united in keeping organic GMO-free and is calling for mandatory traceability of all gene-edited plants and seeds. Read More from IFOAM Organics Europe.