EU Agrees to Accept Some Biotech Crops
April 23, 2025 A few months ago, I wrote a column looking back at all the changes that have taken place in the agricultural marketplace during the 21st century. However, I noted the one thing that hadn’t changed during this time was the rejection of biotech crops by large swathes of the world. In particular, the countries of the European Union (EU) have nearly universally rejected the planting and/or use of biotech varieties.
But perhaps I spoke too soon. Earlier this month, the European Commission (EC) carried out a legal obligation and gave the go-ahead for three varieties of biotech corn. These can now be used in livestock feeds and human foods under certain conditions. According to the EC, the three products have undergone rigorous assessment of a wide range of aspects of safety by the expert panel of the European Food Safety Authority.
For those that have regularly followed the biotech crop movement since the start of the 2000s, this is big news indeed. The EU now agreeing to accept three varieties of biotech corn for use within its borders could finally represent a thaw in the bloc rejection of this important agricultural genetic technology.
Loading ...But there are still some restrictions in place for accepting these biotech crops. According to the EC, authorization for their use is valid for a period of 10 years. However, this acceptance specifically excludes the cultivation of these varieties in the EU.
Still, any baby steps for the use of biotech crops in the EU is welcome news!
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