Overview
- Negotiators created two categories for new genomic techniques, with lighter oversight for small, targeted edits (NGT‑1) and existing strict GMO rules retained for more extensive or transgenic changes (NGT‑2).
- Most retail labels would be dropped for NGT‑1 foods, with disclosure remaining on seed; organic production stays GMO‑free with allowances for technically unavoidable traces.
- Pre‑market environmental assessments for NGT‑1 would be scrapped and on‑field traceability rules eased to speed variety development and reduce compliance costs.
- Patents would be allowed for NGT plants and methods with exceptions for naturally occurring or biologically produced traits, prompting warnings from farm groups and small breeders about market concentration.
- Environmental and consumer groups criticized the loss of supermarket labeling and risk checks, while supporters say the changes will accelerate climate‑resilient, higher‑yield crops; negotiators indicate herbicide‑tolerant or insecticide‑producing traits would not be cleared for the market.