The European Union has reached a provisional agreement to update the rules regarding plants obtained through genomic techniques, simplifying access to innovative seeds.

The European Union has established a provisional agreement for updating regulations regarding plants created through modern genomic techniques, with the aim of facilitating farmers' access to innovative seeds and supporting European agriculture in the face of climate change. The agreement introduces two categories of plants: those with simple modifications, which will not be considered genetically modified organisms and will benefit from lighter rules, and those with complex modifications, which will remain under the strict regulations of genetically modified organisms.

The new norms are intended to help develop plants that are more resilient to extreme conditions, thus reducing dependence on pesticides and fertilizers. While organizations in conventional agriculture welcome the agreement, environmental groups criticize the lack of transparency and the risks associated with the control of large companies over seeds. The agreement remains provisional and requires final approval from the Council and the European Parliament to become law.