[Opinion] EU Commission is jeopardising future of organic farming

That is additionally the case on the subject of the exact methods to realize mutations, regardless of these methods being much like the standard breeding strategies which were utilized by natural farmers for many years.

In essence, these focused methods (sdn-1) induce modifications inside the crops’ present genome and make use of vegetation’ pure restore mechanism to revive their chromosomes on their very own.

These methods are essentially totally different from transgenic crops, the place overseas genetic materials is inserted. These are and shall additionally sooner or later be prohibited in natural agriculture because of their incompatibility with natural rules.

Plant breeding is an indispensable device for creating crops. Additionally, for natural farmers. It’s mandatory to fulfill the challenges meals manufacturing is dealing with akin to local weather change. Not solely resilience to drought but additionally resistance to new plant illnesses and pests. New breeding methods are anticipated to be a beneficial device on this growth.

The fee’s ambition to have 25 p.c of the farmland within the European Union beneath natural cultivation by 2030, as a part of the European Inexperienced Deal, is commendable. To realize this purpose, natural farmers ought to have entry to the very best situations and instruments with respect for the integrity of the natural sector.

Sadly, by banning all these new plant breeding methods in natural farming, the fee deprives the natural sectors of entry to new varieties when these new plant breeding strategies overtake the scene from older mutagenesis methods. This will go away the natural sector with solely essentially the most inefficient breeding methods, and we see a threat that this will not be adequate for the specified growth and development.

As representatives of the natural farming group, we name on the European Fee, the Council, and the European Parliament to collaborate in crafting a forward-looking coverage that safeguards the progress of natural agriculture inside our non-GM dedication.

Readability in terminology and a nuanced method to regulation will make sure that natural farmers can proceed their important work.

The potential penalties of this proposal for a brand new regulation prolong past the natural sector itself. The EU’s broader sustainability objectives depend on revolutionary agricultural practices, and natural farming performs a major function on this endeavour.

By encouraging the usage of a restricted share of the brand new NGTs in natural agriculture whereas preserving the non-GM standing, the EU can additional promote sustainable practices and reinforce its dedication to a greener future.

It is just by embracing innovation and nurturing a thriving natural sector that we will collectively construct a extra sustainable and resilient agricultural panorama for the long run.