Macra Welcomes New Genomic Techniques as Additional Tool for Young Farmers

Macra has welcomed the European Parliament's approval of new rules governing New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), describing the decision as a positive step towards supporting innovation, sustainability and resilience within European agriculture. The organisation said the development has the potential to provide farmers with additional tools to address some of the significant challenges facing food production, including climate
change, pest and disease pressures, and the need to improve resource efficiency.

The new rules will distinguish between plants developed through certain genomic techniques that could occur naturally or through conventional breeding, and those requiring stricter regulatory oversight. The legislation aims to facilitate the development of crop varieties that are more resilient to climate pressures, require fewer inputs and contribute to more sustainable food production systems.

Macra National President Josephine O'Neill said: "The challenges faced by young farmers producing food are ever evolving. To respond to these issues, young farmers will require access to a suite of measures. The adoption of the new rules governing NGTs represents an additional tool available to us, allowing us to eventually choose crop varieties better adapted to future conditions”.

Macra noted that young farmers are increasingly expected to produce more food while simultaneously reducing emissions, improving biodiversity outcomes and adapting to changing climatic conditions. The organisation said innovation and research will play a critical role in helping farmers meet these challenges while maintaining
farm viability.

Macra stressed that New Genomic Techniques are not a standalone solution to the challenges facing agriculture, but rather one additional tool within a broader innovation toolbox that also includes research, advisory services, digital technologies, sustainable farming practices and a strong Common Agricultural Policy.

Macra said the decision demonstrates the importance of science-led policymaking and welcomed the recognition that innovation will be required to achieve the ambitious environmental, climate and food production objectives facing European agriculture in the years ahead. Macra also welcomed the development of a science-based and proportionate regulatory framework that supports innovation while maintaining high standards for food safety, environmental protection and transparency.

With the legislative process now complete, Macra said attention must turn to implementation, ensuring that farmers, researchers and plant breeders can benefit from the new framework in a practical, transparent and equitable manner.

The organisation said it will continue to engage with Irish and European policymakers, along with European colleagues in CEJA, to ensure that the implementation of the new framework delivers practical benefits for farmers while supporting the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.