New breeding techniques

17.5.2016

Question for written answer E-004025-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jasenko Selimovic (ALDE)

European agriculture is faced with increasing challenges and a growing need to develop new varieties. Specifically, there is a need for increased food production for a growing world population with limited resources and facing increasingly unpredictable climate change phenomena. In order to achieve this goal, more research and innovation is required with a view to developing new plant and animal varieties, which calls for, among other things, better adaptation to climate change.

New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) are very important tools for supporting innovation in the plant breeding sector and in the genetic enhancement of livestock. European farmers need access to these technological advances in order to meet the upcoming challenges and remain competitive. In addition, they may need legal certainty regarding investment in order to further develop NBTs.

What action does the Commission intend to take in order to clarify the legal status of NBTs so as to ensure an innovative agricultural sector? If it has such plans, when will it submit a communication?