The EU Commission is proposing legalizing and regulating NGTs. I’m cautiously optimistic, and think this will be a useful tool for seed savers and others working in biodiversity.
NGTs are mutagenesis (where the natural mutation of plant materials is sped up with for example X-rays or one of a number of chemicals, including some common household substances) and cisgenesis (one of a number of techniques where genes are manipulated within the same species). In the case of mutagenesys, I’m aware of seed savers already doing this for years. In both cases it’s unlikely anyone could make plant material that couldn’t already exist in nature, and because you are always working within the same species, there’s no meaningful risk of contamination of other plants or setting something free in the wild.
NGTs are really a new generation of GMOs, that shouldn’t be confused with what was used decades ago. NGTs should only be thought of as a tool that speeds up traditional plant breeding.
The intention is that only seeds will be labeled when made from these new techniques, and not food. Some people will find this disturbing, because it will no longer be possible to choose an alternative in the supermarket. I think everyone should understand that once these techniques are legalized, it’s very likely nearly all food will be made from NGTs.
Nagoya Protocol and OSSI
On a more technical side, those working with biodiversity will be interested to know NGTs can be used to get around the Nagoya protocol and OSSI. Both of these are dependent on the pedigree of genetic material. This can be compared to for example a DNA test in humans, which can determine who your ancestors were, as well as your relationship to living relatives. NGTs can be used to scramble this information in genetic materials and in any case you are technically creating new life, which is not covered by these rules.
In general, these techniques will provide a lot of privacy to seed savers. Currently a lot can be revealed by the DNA in their seeds, and NGTs can be used to scramble this information.
