Biotechnology – Euractiv

Fix biosolutions legislative landscape or lose talent and scale-ups, says strategist [Advocacy Lab Content]

Brian Maguire — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 01:20:10 +0000

Investors champion biotechnology with AI as the engine of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but despite Europe’s strong ambitions biotech analysts say legislation designed for chemicals is not fit for the biological. The result is an exodus of talent and investment.

EU countries fail again to find agreement on gene edited plants patents

Angelo Di Mambro — Fri, 24 May 2024 11:47:23 +0000

Despite the presentation of a new compromise text from the Belgian presidency, national experts could not find an agreement to unblock one of the agrifood unfinished dossier of the legislature.

Europe’s biosolutions sector is leveraging nature to strengthen sustainability and resilience [Advocacy Lab Content]

Brian Maguire — Thu, 09 May 2024 02:47:59 +0000

Biosolutions are nature's tools, offering a powerful pathway to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and greener future, while potentially strengthening Europe’s resilience, supply chain sovereignty and competitiveness.

EU needs an ambitious Bio Act, says MEP Weiss [Advocacy Lab Content]

Christoph Schwaiger — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 02:09:59 +0000

Europe needs a Bio Act according to MEP Pernille Weiss (EPP). Weiss and other expert speakers at the European High-Level Summit on Biosolutions said failing to develop an effective biosolutions framework will lead to a stifling of innovation and growth.

Stop regulating biosolutions as chemicals, requests Novonesis CEO [Advocacy Lab Content]

Christoph Schwaiger — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 14:24:23 +0000

Fresh from a company merger, Novonesis CEO Ester Baiget came to Brussels with an important ask – to create a level playing field for biosolutions; arguing it makes no sense to treat enzymes and proteins as if they were manmade.

The Bio-Revolution, European biosolutions boosting the EU Green Deal [Advocacy Lab Content]

Brian Maguire — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:25:46 +0000

Europe is on the cusp of a technological revolution. Unlike the Industrial Revolution’s massive factories, the bio-revolution centres around micro-factories. Biosolutions represent the fusion of biology and technology, offering powerful tools to address climate change.

German government mulls limiting biofuel production

Julia Dahm — Mon, 02 May 2022 07:31:56 +0000

Germany's environment and agriculture ministries are apparently currently working on restrictions for the production of biofuels so that more grain can be used as human food as agriculture markets remain strained due to the war in Ukraine. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Germany to use controversial biomass amid energy crisis

Julia Dahm — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 10:37:51 +0000

Biomass will be used to meet particularly high energy demands, according to the German government's so-called "Easter Package", which aims to use agricultural raw materials for energy production in response to the war in Ukraine.

Europabio: Life science needs future-proof approach to become innovation ‘powerhouse’

Gerardo Fortuna — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 06:15:14 +0000

The EU's policy priorities are a once-in-a-generation change to the regulatory framework offering both the industrial biotech and healthcare sectors an opportunity to set a direction for the next decades, says the newly appointed chairman of EuropaBio.

The future of biotech in Europe

Marco Venosta — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 06:15:06 +0000

A fairly recent but already fast-growing industry, the biotech sector seeks to claim a role in Europe as a catalyst for growth in the aftermath of the COVID-crisis.

Commission at odds with Parliament over GM crop authorisations

Natasha Foote — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 09:23:38 +0000

The EU executive looks set to press ahead with a "new approach" to genetically modified (GM) crop authorisations in the wake of persistent lack of political support for the technology in the European Parliament.

Plant breeding sector split over potential of patenting to spur innovation

Natasha Foote — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 07:48:45 +0000

The European Commission adopted its intellectual property plan in November, hailed as a driver of future growth, but the plant breeding sector remains divided over the potential of intellectual property rights for spurring on much-needed agricultural innovation.

EU still reflects over agri-innovation as UK mulls moves forward

Gerardo Fortuna, Natasha Foote, Sarantis Michalopoulos — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 06:31:14 +0000

While the EU considers the potential role of new innovative techniques to protect harvests from pests and diseases, on the other side of the Channel, the UK is getting ready to open the door to new gene-editing technologies post-Brexit.

Farm to Fork Strategy: What role of nutrients?

Evi Kiorri — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:54:22 +0000

Looking at the future of agriculture in general, and the fertiliser industry in particular, the challenges of sustainable food production are apparent. Growing food demand will force farmers to invest in innovative tools to increase production, ensuring maximum efficiency from...

How much does it cost to ‘sweeten’ a day’s work?

Alessia Midali, Francesca Marzorati, Piero Morandini — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 05:15:56 +0000

History of agriculture and food has always been the result of constant attempts and innovation, as the impact of beetroot on sugar production and price has shown in the past, three researchers write.

UK Environment secretary offers support for gene editing, diverges from EU stance

Natasha Foote — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 15:32:37 +0000

In an environmental audit meeting on Thursday (18 June), UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice offered his support for gene editing after Brexit, saying that the UK government disagrees with the EU stance on...

What is genetic engineering? A plea for a rational definition of what it is and what it isn’t [Promoted content]

Hans-Jörg Jacobsen — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 11:00:26 +0000

The public debate on genetic engineering in agriculture is largely characterised by misinformation, myths and a confused understanding of nature, writes plant breeding and gene editing expert, Professor Hans-Jörg Jacobsen (PhD).

Embracing technology to feed a growing world

Sonny Perdue — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 06:59:50 +0000

It is time for America and Europe to work together to solve the next great challenge facing us - to produce enough food, with fewer inputs, to feed a growing world population - which means embracing innovation and technology in a safe, sustainable agriculture, writes Sonny Perdue.

EFSA will keep British experts despite Brexit [Part II]

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 07:00:08 +0000

The European Food Safety Authority will keep UK experts in its ranks despite Brexit, because science does not recognise borders "and we want to have the best people", the EU food watchdog chief told EURACTIV.com in an exclusive interview.

EFSA chief: Assessing fast-changing agrifood innovation is key challenge [Part I]

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 06:49:25 +0000

Being equipped with the right methods to assess industry’s rapidly changing innovation will be a key challenge for the European Food Safety Agency, (EFSA), Bernhard Url, the EU food watchdog's chief, told EURACTIV.com in a wide-ranging interview.

Fighting malnutrition: Golden Rice and the EU’s GMO conundrum [Promoted content]

Ajay Kohli, Joanna Dupont-Inglis — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 06:00:11 +0000

In the last two decades, the cultivation of genetically biofortified crops, such as Golden Rice, to help solve the global humanitarian crisis of “malnutrition” remains elusive. Let’s consider the facts.

Italian minister: Unlike gene editing, GMOs belong to the past

Angelo Di Mambro — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 13:53:06 +0000

Italy's agricultural minister Teresa Bellanova expressed an interest in developing sustainable biotechnology, in the light of a milestone agreement on next-gen biotech between farmers organisation Coldiretti and the Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics (SIGA).

‘New GMOs’: Kyriakides gets off on wrong foot with biased consultation

Nina Holland — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:37:55 +0000

The new EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides recently told EURACTIV.com that her “priority is to gather more information” on gene editing. To this end, she said, "we will be preparing a study on new genomic techniques, foreseen for spring 2021”. Clearly, the design and set-up of such a study will be crucial to its outcome, writes Nina Holland.

Renew Europe vows to break ‘taboos’ in EU agriculture

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 07:41:04 +0000

The centrist Renew Europe group in the European Parliament aims to “break taboos” in the agricultural sector, according to one of its Czech deputies, Martin Hlaváček.

EU health chief wants more information on gene editing

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 12:45:20 +0000

The new EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides wants more information about the controversial issue of gene editing and for now, she seems less enthusiastic than her predecessor Vytenis Andriukaitis.

French MEP calls for ‘realism’ in Farm to Fork strategy

Natasha Foote — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 10:22:45 +0000

The plant protection part of the upcoming Farm to Fork strategy should take a realistic and science-based approach that allows farmers to “explore all possible solutions”, French conservative MEP Anne Sander told EURACTIV.

Innovation, CAP and Green Deal: A tough equation?

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:04:30 +0000

The new Green Deal will have a direct impact on the ongoing negotiations about the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as EU farmers will be asked to re-adjust the way they work to the new green objectives.

US agriculture chief urges EU to listen to science, not fear-mongering NGOs

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:04:16 +0000

When it comes to food, EU policymakers should make science-based decisions if they want to help European their farmers tackle the “legitimate concerns” over sustainability, Sonny Perdue, the US State Secretary of Agriculture, said on Monday (27 January).

Industry and farmers expect ‘science-based’ solutions to deliver New Green Deal

Natasha Foote, Sarantis Michalopoulos — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:20:03 +0000

The agri-food industry and EU farmers are calling for clarity and science-based solutions to meet their objectives as part of the EU’s recently announced European Green Deal. The new plans, combined with the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy and a reformed...

Bayer scientist: ‘Regulation and risk assessment must evolve with technology’

Gerardo Fortuna, Natasha Foote — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 07:10:21 +0000

Since new breeding technologies such as gene editing are still new and evolving, risk assessments and regulations also need to be evolving, says a molecular biologist for Bayer Life Science company. Dr Larry Gilberston, Ph.D., spoke to EURACTIV about the...

Corteva signs first major gene editing deal with European company

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 12:51:37 +0000

Despite the ongoing legal uncertainty over the future of new plant breeding innovation in Europe, US agricultural company Corteva Agriscience has signed the first major deal on genome editing tools with French seed producer Vilmorin & Cie.

Andriukaitis: Europe should take lead in science-based plant innovation

Vytenis Andriukaitis — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 10:55:45 +0000

The EU is leading the science-based fight against climate change and it will also lead on science-based plant innovation, writes former EU Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis.

UK faced with EU-US biotechnology dilemma post-Brexit

Natasha Foote — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:29:47 +0000

The question of whether the UK will open its doors to GMOs after Brexit has become more pertinent after EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier told MEPs on Tuesday (26 November) that in order to secure a trade agreement, the UK would have to agree to maintain a ‘level playing field’ and not undercut EU regulation.

MEPs slam gene-editing court ruling as damaging for SMEs

Natasha Foote — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 07:22:00 +0000

It is much easier for larger companies to implement new GM legislation, but it's the smaller ones that are most affected by the recent gene-editing ruling, the chair of the agriculture committee (AGRI) MEP, Norbert Lins, told EURACTIV.com at the sidelines of a recent plant breeding conference.

2,500 scientists urge EU to reform environmentally ‘damaging’ CAP

Natasha Foote — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 14:19:18 +0000

More than 2,500 scientists across the EU have joined forces and reached out to the EU parliament in a letter urging them to “to act on the science, and undertake a far-reaching reform of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) without delay.”

The EU dilemma with the GMO industry and independent risk research

Christoph Then — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 11:27:12 +0000

The EU should give higher priority to the protection of health and the environment, but when it comes to genetically engineered plants, the current standards of risk assessment are not sufficient to fulfil the legal requirements, writes Christoph Then, executive director at Testbiotech.

Biotechnology: Europe’s next ‘hot potato’

Davide Patteri — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 06:16:37 +0000

The discussion over the future of biotechnology in Europe heated up after the EU Court ruled in July last year that gene editing should, in principle, fall under the GMO Directive. We focus on the future of biotechnology in Europe, the regulatory framework of the so-called new plant-breeding techniques, as well as GMOs.

Andriukaitis: 100-year old production models cannot achieve food sustainability

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 06:15:02 +0000

According to the UN, the amount of food produced globally needs to double to feed a rising world population. Policymakers are poring over ways to ensure the sustainability of food systems while emerging new technologies, promising to tackle climate change, still face resistance.

Senselessly shunning science: the EU Parliament’s GMO dilemma [Promoted content]

Beat Späth — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 13:00:18 +0000

Europe seems increasingly ready to face the challenges of the 21^st century and to lead the way to a ‘greener’ and more sustainable future. But what role can the EU Parliament play in the face of recent unsubstantiated “objections” against GMOs?

Organic farmers oppose separate framework for new plant breeding techniques

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 06:15:35 +0000

Any attempt to exclude the so-called new plant breeding techniques from the GMO legislation would deal a severe blow to consumers, farmers and processors, according to the EU organic farmers’ movement (IFOAM).

Give the people what they want: Non-GMO sells

Heike Moldenhauer — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 14:34:57 +0000

For many years leading European food retailers have been following a strict non-GMO policy. Retailers are the parties most concerned when it comes to GMO regulation. For them, the proper implementation of the ECJ ruling is crucial, writes Heike Moldenhauer.

Has Europe lost the new biotechnology battle?

Marcel Kuntz — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:49:18 +0000

The EU's rules on GMOs risk stifling innovation in biotechnology and could lead to China and the US increasing their patent domination, writes Marcel Kuntz.

14 EU countries call for ‘unified approach’ to gene editing in plants

Gerardo Fortuna — Fri, 24 May 2019 09:40:00 +0000

The Netherlands and Estonia are leading a coalition of 14 EU member states calling on the next European Commission to update EU GMO laws with regard to so-called new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs).

Commission in search of ‘robust response’ to gene editing challenge

Gerardo Fortuna — Tue, 21 May 2019 06:25:53 +0000

The EU executive has already prepared the ground for a new initiative on gene editing to overhaul the current GMO legislation, EU agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan has said.

Genome editing is going to be high on next Parliament agenda, MEP says

Gerardo Fortuna — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 07:59:00 +0000

Protecting plants genetically rather than chemically will become increasingly important in future farming, but this also highlights the need to solve the legal pitfall created by a recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling on gene editing, MEP Paolo De Castro told EURACTIV.

Andriukaitis: New plant breeding techniques need new regulatory framework

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 07:21:46 +0000

The 'new plant breeding techniques' need new EU legislation that takes into account the latest advanced technologies, EU Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis told EURACTIV.com, adding there was too much manipulation and "scare-mongering" around the issue.

EU agriculture Commissioner ‘surprised’ by gene editing court ruling

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 07:29:26 +0000

The European governments have to decide whether science or politics are applied when it comes to issues such as new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs), EU's Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan said.

Controversy over new plant breeding methods

Steffen Stierle — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 06:00:52 +0000

New methods of genetic engineering promise precise interventions, without side effects. However, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) wants tight regulation. The judgement is being fiercely debated. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Europe’s anti-rationalist future?

Sir Colin Berry — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 06:10:03 +0000

European restrictions on gene editing, GMOs and pesticides bans risk undermining scientific progress and innovation if they are not reversed, argues Sir Colin Berry.

Europe’s GM legislation is ‘outdated’, US says after Court ruling on gene editing

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 06:31:12 +0000

US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has called a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice on new plant-breeding techniques (NPBTs) a ‘setback’ and said Washington is ready to help EU politicians make decisions based on scientific evidence.

Nothing wrong with genome editing in agriculture

Neal Gutterson — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 12:11:31 +0000

While some may see the recent decision of the Court of Justice of the EU that states that organisms obtained by mutagenesis are GMOs and are therefore subject to obligations laid down by the GMO directive as a win for consumers, the reality is just the opposite, writes Neal Gutterson.

Plant breeding innovations can help to future proof our farming system

Garlich von Essen — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 12:32:10 +0000

Reading the opinion of Greens / EFA members of the European Parliament on plant breeding, one can’t help but be amazed by their obsession with GMOs, writes Garlich von Essen.

EU court decision on plant breeding techniques ‘normally’ before summer break

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 10:10:27 +0000

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) should "normally" decide on the future of the so-called new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) before the summer break in July. However, no date has yet been set, a source close to the issue told EURACTIV.com.

Bayer-Monsanto merger creates agrichemical juggernaut

admin — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 05:00:17 +0000

German chemicals and pharmaceuticals giant Bayer will seal a $63-billion merger with US-based Monsanto Thursday, creating an agrichemical juggernaut with lofty ambitions to feed the world but feared by environmentalists.

Bayer to ditch Monsanto name in a bid to protect corporate reputation

Claire Stam — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 07:00:13 +0000

German chemicals and pharmaceuticals giant Bayer will discard the name Monsanto when it takes over the controversial US seeds and pesticides producer this week, the group said on Monday (4 June). “Bayer will remain the name of the firm. Monsanto...

The EU needs to speak up to avoid ‘backdoor’ GMOs on our plates

Mute Schimpf — Wed, 16 May 2018 05:29:52 +0000

When is a genetically modified organism (GMO) not a GMO? This is the question that the ECJ will soon rule on after a complaint from a coalition of French agriculture groups reached the EU’s highest court, writes Mute Schimpf.

EU seeds industry: No sense to label products from new breeding techniques

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Mon, 14 May 2018 10:53:22 +0000

Labelling products that result from the so-called new plant breeding techniques would provide little new information and would therefore make no sense for consumers, Garlich von Essen, secretary-general of the European Seeds Association (ESA), told EURACTIV.com.

MEP De Castro: New plant breeding techniques will ensure food quality and quantity

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Fri, 11 May 2018 04:10:56 +0000

The new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) are a major opportunity to move toward sustainable agriculture and simultaneously ensure food quality for EU consumers, MEP Paolo De Castro told EURACTIV.com.

EU Bioeconomy 2.0– Cultivating a home grown success

Joanna Dupont — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:08:00 +0000

Barely six years old, the EU’s Bioeonomy Strategy, currently under revision, is slowly but surely propagating green shoots of sustainable economic recovery in innumerable and unexpected ways, writes Joanna Dupont.

Commission expects clarity on GM scope from court ruling on plant breeding techniques

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 10:26:31 +0000

The European Commission expects “important” clarity on the scope of GMO legislation ahead of a Court ruling on new plant breeding techniques, an EU spokesperson told EURACTIV.com following the release of an Advocate General’s first opinion.

Discussion on new breeding techniques heats up ahead of court opinion

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 06:00:20 +0000

Campaigners opposing new plant breeding techniques have organised protests in Brussels on Wednesday (17 January) calling on the European Commission to “prevent GMOs entering the EU market through the back door”.

Farmers fear ‘political’ court ruling on plant breeding techniques

Paola Tamma — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 04:39:04 +0000

EU farmers have expressed concerns about an ongoing court case on plant breeding techniques, saying it might end up being a "political" decision that does not take into account scientific and economic arguments.

FAO official: GMOs not needed but we should be open to biotechnologies

Paola Tamma, Sarantis Michalopoulos — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 09:03:27 +0000

The requirements of food production can be met without GMOs but we should not eliminate the broader benefits that biotechnologies can provide, Daniel Gustafson told EURACTIV.com in an interview.

EU and GMOs: The case for a knowledge-based society

Dennis Eriksson, Roberto Defez — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:35:10 +0000

Albert Einstein said, “It is harder to crack prejudice than an atom.” A persistent prejudice in the EU is that against GMOs. An EU court judgment has restated that fears are unfounded, but will Europe take the opportunity to become a science-based society, ask Roberto Defez and Dennis Eriksson.

GMOs: EU court says states can’t ban them unless risks are proven

Paola Tamma — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 12:00:26 +0000

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Wednesday (13 September) that member states cannot adopt emergency measures banning genetically modified organisms (GMOs) without evidence of a serious risk to health or the environment. But the ruling was surpassed by recent EU legislation and changes nothing.

Amsterdam wants to revive talks on new plant breeding techniques

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 14:22:21 +0000

The Netherlands believes the new plant breeding techniques should not come under the GMO legislation as they are as safe as traditional breeding. It also insists that a discussion on the issue should be launched soon, even before the EU Court rules on the issue.

Mimica: Private sector has a key role in reaching the SDGs

Georgi Gotev — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 04:30:54 +0000

The massive need for investment in projects of public interest in developing countries cannot be met by the public sector alone, this is why the involvement of the private sector in reaching the SDGs is key, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development told EURACTIV.com in an exclusive interview.

IMI chief: ‘We need to learn how to share data in a safe and ethical manner’

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 03:57:28 +0000

Ethicists, humanists, lawyers and patients should come together to understand the risk of data in healthcare and whether patients are willing to take that risk, Pierre Meulien told EURACTIV.com.

Europe’s biotechnology potential hindered by investment fears

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 04:34:46 +0000

In terms of pure biotechnology, Europe has embraced innovation. However, it cannot compete with the US yet because it cannot drive private investment in the field, as well as open up the market to new products, a pharmaceutical executive told EURACTIV.com in Lyon.

Commission sees biotech as ‘integral part’ of EU healthcare

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 12:44:39 +0000

Biotechnology-derived medicinal products are fully part of EU healthcare but there are still many unknowns which call for adequate controls, the European Commission told EURACTIV.

Biotechnology in Europe

Davide Patteri — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 12:44:38 +0000

Biotechnology could help patients across Europe gain access to innovative therapies, for example, against rare diseases. Proponents of bio-medicines also claim that precision therapy, because it is more efficient, will ease the burden on member states’ ailing healthcare systems.

EFSA boss: Trust in integrity of science has a cost

Frédéric Simon — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 05:07:12 +0000

Studies on the safety of GMOs, glyphosate or other pesticides could enjoy higher levels of trust from the general public if there were stronger guarantees that the science behind them is really independent, says Bernhard Url, executive director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

EFSA: Glyphosate ban debate ‘legitimate’ but not about science

Frédéric Simon — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 05:05:18 +0000

The debate on the toxicity of pesticides and the role of big multinationals in agriculture is a legitimate one to have, says Bernhard Url, the head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). But it goes beyond the realm of science, he told EURACTIV in an interview, calling on politicians to assume their responsibilities and make their own decisions.

UK promises scrapping ‘three-crops’ farm rule post-Brexit

Matthew Tempest — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 16:24:26 +0000

The UK’s new agriculture minister has promised a major scrapping of EU farming regulation - including key green measures - after it leaves the bloc.

Agricultural innovation: A driver for sustainability?

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 08:26:28 +0000

As the global population continues to grow, lawmakers are looking for innovation-driven solutions to feed the world while addressing the environmental impact of agriculture.

José Bové: ‘The purpose of agriculture is to feed our citizens’

Virginie Énée — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 05:34:45 +0000

The European executive will reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by the end of 2017. José Bové and Éric Andrieu argue for an agricultural system that puts the environment, human health and small businesses first. EURACTIV’s partner Ouest France reports.

‘TTIP may come back from the dead,’ warns expert

Aline Robert — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 14:54:55 +0000

Opposition to the EU's transatlantic trade deals is alive and well. According to activists, TTIP is far from dead and CETA can still be stopped. EURACTIV France reports.

New GM crops once again fail the safety test

Mute Schimpf — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 14:10:08 +0000

As the world focuses elsewhere, two untested varieties of genetically modified maize are slowly manoeuvring their way through the legislative hoops of the European institutions towards Europe’s fields, writes Mute Schimpf.

The Brief: Nicola the Bruce

James Crisp — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 15:15:38 +0000

Robert the Bruce was a Scottish king. He is famous for two things, one of which involves a spider. The other involves thumping the English.

GMO experts: ‘It’s an emotional debate, but not an irrational one’

Aline Robert — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 04:51:47 +0000

The High Council of Biotechnology (HCB) held a conference on the implementation of the EU's GMO rules. HCB President Christine Noiville and Frans Brom, a member of the Dutch government’s scientific council, answered EURACTIV France’s questions on the subject.

Nobel Laureate: EU politicians ignore ‘politically unwelcome’ GMO science

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 05:02:48 +0000

European politicians support a great deal of scientific research but they often do not pay attention to the results if they are “politically unwelcome”, Nobelist Richard Roberts told EURACTIV.com.

EU plant breeding ‘saved’ millions of hectares of extra farmland: report

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 04:05:06 +0000

The Pan-European Farmers’ Association (Copa-Cogeca) said on Thursday (28 July) that innovation in plant breeding should be further encouraged in order to help the EU combat hunger and malnutrition worldwide.

EU kickstarts talks on new GMO approvals

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 13:17:10 +0000

The European Commission launched talks with member states today (9 July) to authorise two new GMOs, maize Bt11 and maize 1507, for cultivation in the EU.

CETA and TTIP threaten the EU’s precautionary principle

Cécile Barbière — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:16:14 +0000

The precautionary principle may be scrapped in the EU's free trade agreements with Canada and the United States. According to the NGO Foodwatch, this could call into question the bloc's bans on hormone-treated beef and GMOs. EURACTIV France reports.

EU muddling on glyphosate fuelled Brexit populism

Frédéric Simon — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:41:53 +0000

Calls for the European Union to dramatically change its decision making and get closer to citizen’s daily concerns have piled up in the wake of Britain’s shock decision to leave the EU.

TTIP talks bogged down in food standards debate

Belén Delgado — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 12:15:36 +0000

Seemingly insurmountable differences in food standards are threatening to sink trade negotiations between the United States and the European Union. EURACTIV Spain reports.

Tony Simons: Agroforestry is a ‘win-win’ for developing nations

Matthew Tempest — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 04:44:53 +0000

Agroforestry is a "back to the future" concept, advocating a return to the origins of farming —trees and fields— rather than the modern concept of huge monocultures, says Tony Simons.

Climate-smart agriculture: More than just greenwashing?

Nicole Sagener — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 10:47:40 +0000

Ahead of the Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture's second forum, numerous associations have criticised the group, citing the prevalence of greenwashing and lack of actual positive impact on climate change. EURACTIV Germany reports.

European Parliament speaks out against agricultural colonialism in Africa

Cécile Barbière — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 09:19:40 +0000

MEPs have called on the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition to radically alter its mission. The Alliance currently pushes African countries to replicate the intensive agricultural practices employed in many developed countries. EURACTIV France reports.

Trade body: Don’t lump ‘new plant breeding techniques’ in with GMOs

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Tue, 03 May 2016 03:36:45 +0000

If new plant breeding techniques fall under GMO legislation, SMEs in Europe will be severely hit, Dr Teresa Babuscio said in an interview with EURACTIV.com

France, US exchange warnings over agriculture in trade pact

frederic.simon — Mon, 02 May 2016 06:56:48 +0000

French President François Hollande threatened on Sunday (1 May) to reject the ambitious TTIP trade pact if it endangers the future of French agriculture, triggering similar warnings from the US regarding exports of farm produce to Europe

EU and US say they don’t aim at ‘TTIP-light’

Georgi Gotev — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 05:19:37 +0000

US and European Union trade officials said yesterday (28 April) they would not settle for a limited trans-Atlantic free trade deal that ignores deep divisions on agricultural products, services, public procurement and dispute resolution.

MEPs speak out against GMOs in ‘New Alliance’ food strategy for Africa

Cécile Barbière — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 05:26:24 +0000

European lawmakers have urged the EU not to support the introduction of GMOs in Africa, in a resolution criticising the G8's New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition. EURACTIV France reports.

UN chief: Food chain shows peoples’ fate ‘interdependent’

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 04:19:40 +0000

Humankind needs to take a more collaborative approach to agriculture in order to sustain its future nutrition needs, while at the same time minimising environmental harm to the planet, global leaders and luminaries have warned.

Agriculture holds key to UN Sustainable Development Goals

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 04:39:59 +0000

Agriculture will play a crucial role in addressing the planet’s future needs – whether on food production, health or the preservation of the environment. But transforming the dominant agricultural model could be the greatest challenge of all.

Fresh EU-US trade spat brewing over new plant breeding techniques

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 05:31:06 +0000

EXCLUSIVE / After Europe's decision to keep its door shut to GMOs, the European Commission is trying its best to avoid opening a new trade row with the United States over how to regulate so-called 'new plant breeding techniques' (NPBTs).

Agricultural authorisation body in meltdown over ‘new GMOs’

Romain Loury — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 16:24:18 +0000

The French High Council for Biotechnology (HCB) is shedding members. Seven associations have left the organisation, claiming their opinions on new plant breeding techniques, or "new GMOs", were ignored. EURACTIV's partner Journal de l'Environnement reports.

A week-long biotech party across Europe [Promoted content]

Laura Fernández Álvarez — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 09:00:46 +0000

European Biotech Week is back between 26 Sept and 2 Oct this year. Launched in 2013, the initiative offers those involved in biotechnology an annual opportunity to engage on all things biotech from the science within to the often invisible societal benefits without.

Decision on new plant breeding techniques further delayed

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 04:28:03 +0000

The European Commission further delayed a much-awaited legal analysis of whether new plant breeding techniques should be considered as GMOs, EURACTIV has learned.

GMOs and pesticides could be tolerated in organic food under new EU rules

Joel Schalit — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 06:25:34 +0000

MEPs have voted not to strip organic agricultural products of their certification if they are contaminated with GMOs or pesticides, as the majority of cases of contamination are accidental. EURACTIV's partner Journal de l'Environnement reports.