• • • ESA considers that the consequences of this ruling present unacceptable socio-economic risks

• • • ESA considers that the consequences of this ruling present unacceptable socio-economic risks

The European seed sector acknowledges the ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in case C-528/16 of 25. July 2018 by which the Court interpreted the provisions of the EU’s Directive 2001/18 in such a way that plants resulting from innovative, targeted mutagenesis breeding methods are to be considered genetically modified organisms as defined by the Directive and subject to the respective regulatory provisions.

ESA considers that the consequences of this ruling present unacceptable socio-economic risks for European plant breeding, for the wider agri-food chain, for consumers and for our European environment.

The prohibitive compliance requirements of Directive 2001/18 relative to the value of agricultural crops effectively cut Europe’s breeders off from scientific progress and puts them as well as farmers, processors, traders and consumers at a competitive disadvantage to regions with more enabling regulations. Moreover, it will not allow Europe to advance the development of new, better adapted plant varieties that are both high-performing and resilient, contribute to healthy diets to mitigate the effects of climate change and innovate for a more sustainable agri-food system at the pace that is urgently needed.

Source: https://www.euroseeds.eu/esa-statement-ecj-ruling-c-52816

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