Patents on new genetic engineering: Greens fight for biodiversity and security!

Patents on new genetic engineering: Greens fight for biodiversity and security!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - The discussion about the new genetic engineering (NGT) increases in driving, since great concerns about possible patents are loudly loudly on genetically modified plants. In view of a legal report by the German Greens, Olga Voglauer, MPs of the Greens, warns that the agricultural industry plans to launch plants without comprehensive risk examination. "This development could be the beginning of a patent flood that would have a negative impact on biodiversity," said Voglauer from an unmistakable perspective. A prohibition of patents on plants that were obtained using new genetic engineering could be determined in the European patent agreement, but this requires unanimous approval. The report also demands that natural plant features may not be patented to ensure access to resources.

EU Parliament for new rules

The European Parliament meant that with 307 votes for the introduction of two categories of NGT plants. For plants that are considered equivalent to conventional varieties (category 1), less strict rules should apply than to the more complex NGT plants (category 2). This was seen as a step towards a more sustainable food system, since the new techniques aim to develop plant varieties that are more resistant to climatic changes and need fewer pesticides. Jessica Polfjärd, a rapporteur of the EPP, explained that these new rules are crucial for improving nutritional safety in Europe

One of the central demands of the MPs is a complete ban on patents on NGT plants to prevent old acquaintances such as uncertainties and dependencies for farmers and breeders. The precautionary principle should also be maintained and reports on the effects of patents until June 2025 are presented, such as europarl.europa.eu emphasized: "We have to summarize:" A decisive action to ensure access to a variety of plant breeding and to maintain the integrity of the organic farm. ”