Italian lawmakers have expressed support for the use of genetic modification techniques in agriculture to achieve more resilient crop varieties in light of the heat waves and droughts that are currently affecting Italy and other parts of Europe.
The plea from Italian lawmakers was made on [July 7] during an exchange with EU Commissioner for Foresight and Interinstitutional Relations Maroš Šefčovič at the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg.
The debate focused on possible adaptation strategies as heatwaves and droughts become more frequent due to climate change.
“Europe will have to be able to address the issue with measures beyond emergency measures,” said Italian MEP Antonio Tajani, a former EU Commissioner in charge of entreprise and industry.
Tajani asked the Commission for a long-term plan that guarantees water supplies for citizens and farming, as well as to “liberalise the use of new assisted evolution technologies by untying them from GMO” rules.
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The Italian MEP was referring to so-called new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs), which involve the genetic engineering of plants to enhance traits like drought tolerance and pest resistance.
But there are still questions pending as to the distinction that should be made between different genetically engineered crops and their potential contribution to the Green Deal.
