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Austrians demand more transparency in food production!
Austria's consumers demand transparency and control in food production: changes to NGT regulations in EU law.
Austrians demand more transparency in food production!
Current market research commissioned by ARGE Gentechnik-frei shows that the majority of the Austrian population demands more transparency and controls in food production. According to the survey conducted by marketagent in September 2025 among 1,005 respondents, 90.8% of participants demand clarity about how food is produced. Furthermore, 85.1% support labeling products manufactured using new genomic techniques (NGT). The issue of NGT is currently the focus of the EU negotiations, which have stalled due to different opinions between the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council.
Florian Faber, managing director of ARGE Gentechnik-frei, emphasizes the importance of GMO-free foods for Austrian quality production and export. 76.6% of those surveyed described the sign “Produced without genetic engineering” as an important purchasing motive, and 60.9% would be willing to pay more for non-GMO products. Only 14.2% support NGT without labeling, while 32.4% reject its use entirely.
Background to the NGT debate
A draft law regarding new genomic techniques was introduced in the European Parliament and was adopted by 307 votes to 263 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 produce higher yields with less use of fertilizers and pesticides. Currently, the same rules apply to NGT crops as to genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The proposal envisages the introduction of two categories for NGT crops: Category 1 includes crops that are considered equivalent to conventional ones and will be exempt from GMO regulations, while Category 2 is subject to stricter regulations. Regardless of the category, the labeling requirement for products obtained from NGT plants remains. To date, the use of NGT crops in organic production is prohibited and the European Food Safety Authority has assessed safety risks associated with NGT.
EU food safety regulations
The EU has a comprehensive food safety strategy that takes into account the entire agricultural production and processing chain. This not only includes hygiene in the food industry, but also the monitoring of animal and plant health as well as controls to protect against contamination. EU policies aim to create confidence in the quality of food and protect the health of consumers.
Negotiations on the draft law are currently progressing as the Danish Presidency aims to push it through by the end of the year. The focus is particularly on the conflict over labeling and traceability requirements, which is further fueling the discussion about the future of the food market in the EU.
In summary, the concerns of the Austrian population provide clear indications that transparency, control and freedom of choice in food production are top priorities. The ongoing EU negotiations regarding NGT and its traceability will continue to be monitored critically.