Heatwaves stress European agriculture

In 2026, Europe experienced 53 days of heatwaves, pushing cultivated plants to their physiological limits and causing historically low agricultural yields. The extreme weather conditions have raised concerns about the future of food production in the region.

New regulation aims to boost plant resilience

The newly adopted European regulation on gene-edited organisms (NGT) aims to facilitate the development of more resilient plant varieties. However, questions remain about whether these tools can effectively address the challenges posed by climate change.

Experts highlight the limitations of NGT

Thierry Langin, president of the French Association of Plant Biotechnology (AFBV), noted that most cultivated plants are operating at the edge of their physiological processes under current conditions. He described NGT as "not a magic wand, but a precious tool that needs to be mobilized quickly."

Regulatory changes on the horizon

Current field trials for NGT crops are considered genetically modified organisms (GMOs) even for NGT-1 plants, which will no longer face the same regulatory restrictions by 2028. Ongoing trials in Europe include heat and drought tolerance in maize in Belgium (VIB/UGent), early flowering in camelina in France (Inrae), and resistance to downy mildew and pests in potatoes in Switzerland.

Complex traits remain underdeveloped

Traits related to heat, water, and nitrogen remain rare in current trials due to their complex genetic nature, requiring extensive validation cycles before field testing. While no current trials focus specifically on these traits, breeders are actively working on them due to their commercial importance.

Global leaders in NGT research

Globally, China leads in NGT research and patent deposits, accounting for 65% of global genomic editing patents. Several varieties of wheat, soy, rice, and rapeseed have received biosafety certifications, with commercialization beginning in several provinces.

U.S. focus on legal reforms

In the United States, the focus is on reducing legal barriers, with major seed companies preparing for market changes. Other regions, including Argentina, India, Brazil, and sub-Saharan Africa, are also advancing NGT development.

European startups drive innovation

In Europe, startups and entrepreneurs are actively working on NGT solutions, with the United Kingdom leading in field trials due to less stringent regulations. Four startups are focusing on heat resistance, water use, and nitrogen efficiency, including one in France (Plantik Biosciences).

AFBV advocates for regulatory clarity

The AFBV has responded to the European Commission's consultation, proposing five key points for simplifying the verification of NGT-1 crops. The association advocates for a "proportional and scientific" implementation to enable European public and private research and startups to transform innovations into solutions for farmers and society.