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Austrians are calling for more transparency in food production!
Austria's consumers require transparency and control in food production: changes in NGT regulations in EU law.
Austrians are calling for more transparency in food production!
Current market research on behalf of the ARGE GMENCOLIK-FREE shows that the majority of the Austrian population demands more transparency and controls in food production. According to the survey, which was carried out by Marketagent in September 2025 under 1,005, 90.8 % of the participants demand clarity about the production of food. Furthermore, 85.1 % are in favor of labeling products that are made with new genomic techniques (NGT). The topic of the NGT is currently the focus of the EU negotiations, which have stalled due to different views between the commission, the European Parliament and Council.
Florian Faber, Managing Director of ARGE GMONTION-FREE, emphasizes the importance of genetic engineering-free food for Austrian quality production and export. 76.6 % of the respondents described the sign "Made without genetic engineering" as an important motive for purchase, and 60.9 % would be willing to pay more for genetic engineering products. Only 14.2 % support NGT without labeling, while 32.4 % completely reject the use.
Background of the NGT debate
A draft law regarding new genomic techniques was introduced in the European Parliament, which was accepted with 307 to 263 votes and 41 abstentions. The aim is to make the food system more sustainable and crisis-proof by developing NGT plants that are more resistant to climatic influences and pests and bring higher yields with lower use of fertilizers and pesticides. The same rules currently apply to NGT plants as to genetically modified organisms (GMO).
The proposal provides for the introduction of two categories for NGT plants: Category 1 includes plants that are considered equivalent with conventional ones and should be excluded from GMO regulations, while category 2 is subject to stricter regulations. Regardless of the category, the labeling obligation for products obtained from NGT plants remains. So far, the use of NGT plants has been banned in ecological production, and the European Food Safety Authority has evaluated security risks in connection with NGT.
EU regulations on food safety
The EU pursues a comprehensive strategy for food safety that takes into account the entire production and processing chain in agriculture. This not only includes hygiene in the food industry, but also monitoring animal and plant health and controls for protection against contamination. EU policies aim to create trust in the quality of the food and to protect consumers.
Negotiations on the draft law are currently being further promoted, while the Danish Presidency is aimed at enforcing it by the end of the year. The focus is particularly on the conflict about labeling and traceability requirements, which further heats up the discussion about the future of the food market in the EU.
In summary, it can be said that the concerns of the Austrian population provide clear indications that transparency, control and freedom of choice are top priority in food production. The ongoing EU negotiations in relation to NGT and their traceability are still being observed critically.