Brussels – Slovenia has announced its opposition to the provisional agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU regarding rules for the legal framework governing the use of new genomic techniques in plant development aimed at enhancing resistance to pests and climate change, according to the agriculture ministry.
During the Committee of Permanent Representatives’ deputies meeting on Friday, Slovenia rejected the compromise draft related to the political agreement on the regulation concerning plants developed using new genomic techniques, as well as food and feed derived from them. The country believes the proposed regulation fails to address essential issues, including risk assessment, labeling, traceability, analytical methods, the autonomy of member states, and cultivation conditions, all of which Slovenia has highlighted throughout the discussions.
Slovenia argues that without adequate tools, official controls would be extremely challenging. The ministry pointed out that unintentional genetic changes from the use of new genomic techniques, which can differ from random mutations, necessitate the precautionary principle and prior risk assessments. Failing to implement these measures could adversely affect production, human and animal health, and the environment. Regarding patenting, Slovenia insists that this matter should be primarily governed by existing patent legislation.
“Slovenia is not against progress but advocates for the cautious introduction of innovations, prioritizing scientific evidence and the protection of health, the environment, and freedom of choice over economic interests, particularly when it comes to releasing organisms into the environment, an irreversible process with potential long-term effects,” the ministry stated. (19 December)
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