Ensuring Transparency, Choice, and Sustainability in the Light of New Genomic Techniques entering the Markets

October 7, 2025

At the ProTerra Foundation, we recognise that new genomic techniques (NGTs) are advancing in global markets and could influence the future of food and agriculture. While biotechnology holds potential, it must always be developed and regulated responsibly, with transparency and freedom of choice at its core.

For us, the following basic principles are non-negotiable: transparency, consumer choice, safety, traceability and protection of rights.

  • Transparency & Traceability ensuring consumer choice: All products derived from NGTs must be clearly labelled and fully traceable throughout the entire value chain. Developers and marketers of NGTs must provide the necessary detection methods, reference material and information on the genetic modification for each plant they want to place on the market. This is the most reliable strategy to guarantee consumer choice and maintain trust in certified non-GMO and organic systems.
  • Safety: Every application of NGTs should undergo a rigorous, case-by-case risk assessment. Responsible regulation ensures that innovation does not compromise food safety or long-term sustainability goals.
  • Fair Responsibility: Those who place NGTs on the market should be held liable for any associated risks. Developers and marketers of NGTs should be required to provide detection methods and reference materials to enable reliable monitoring and freedom of choice.
  • Protecting Biodiversity & Farmers’ Rights: Biodiversity, seed diversity, and farmers’ independence must be safeguarded against monopolisation. Patents on NGTs must be banned.

The ProTerra Foundation supports stakeholders across the food sector who call for a reliable European framework that encourages innovation without undermining decades of progress in non-GMO certified and verified production systems and consumer freedom of choice based on informed decision making.

Ultimately, innovation should prioritise sustainability, biodiversity, and food security over narrow commercial interests. We advocate for EU-wide coexistence measures, national opt-out rights, and the continued protection of consumer choice.

By implementing these safeguards, Europe can embrace technological progress while upholding the values of responsible agriculture and a transparent and sustainable food system.