Future of New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) in EU depends on European Court of Justice’s looming decision

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European Court of Justice Credit: Geoff Pugh/Telegraph

The future of new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) at the EU level lies in the European Court of Justice’s interpretation of existing law, Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis told EURACTIV.com, adding that the executive will act accordingly at the political level.

“It’s an issue related to the interpretation of existing law. The European Commission has no right to interpret the law and this is the difficulty. We can present an opinion but not to say something is okay or not. It’s about law interpretation and this is in the hands of the European Court of Justice,” the EU health chief said.

He added that it’s not going to be a decision but a law interpretation, and then we can “move forward one way or another”.

The term NPBTs describes a number of scientific methods for the genetic engineering of plants to enhance traits like drought tolerance and pest resistance.

At issue is whether these techniques should be classed as GMOs and,  therefore, fall under the strict GMO approval process.

Read full, original post: New plant breeding techniques concern law interpretation, Commission says

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