European Parliament vote gives breeders clearer path for New Genomic Techniques

The value of the new European framework for New Genomic Techniques will depend on whether it helps breeding innovation deliver resilient, commercially useful ornamental varieties for growers.

The European Parliament’s approval of the new European regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) on 17 June 2026 has given Europe’s plant breeders long-awaited regulatory clarity.

The decision is significant for horticulture because plant breeding is no longer only about colour, shape, yield or shelf life. Breeders and growers are increasingly being asked to deliver crops that can perform under more challenging production conditions, including climate stress, water scarcity, disease risk and tighter resource use.

According to Plantum, the Dutch association for companies active in plant reproductive material, the European Parliament vote follows years of debate and negotiation. The new framework distinguishes between different types of NGT applications. Plants considered comparable to conventionally bred crops will be placed in a separate category and, after verification, may be traded under a simpler authorisation regime. Other applications will remain subject to modified regulatory requirements.

The regulation also includes transparency requirements in the supply chain, including labelling of starting materials. This is likely to be an important issue for professional growers, young plant producers and breeders as the rules move from policy into practice.

Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of AIPH, said: “This decision is an important step for Europe’s horticultural sector. Breeders and growers need a regulatory framework that supports innovation while maintaining confidence, transparency and appropriate safeguards. New breeding tools have the potential to help the sector respond to climate change, crop resilience, plant health challenges and changing market demands, but the practical implementation of the regulation will be critical. AIPH will continue to follow this closely on behalf of ornamental horticulture producers and the wider supply chain.”

While much of the public discussion around NGTs has focused on agriculture and food crops, the implications for ornamental horticulture are significant as well. Ornamentals, cut flowers, young plants, trees and bedding plants all face production pressures that breeding innovation may help address. These include improved tolerance to abiotic stress, stronger disease resistance, more efficient use of inputs and better adaptation to changing growing conditions.

Dr Audrey Timm, Technical Initiatives Manager at AIPH, said: “For ornamental horticulture, innovation in plant breeding is closely linked to the sector’s ability to respond to climate stressors, plant health pressures and the need for more resilient production systems. Clear regulation around New Genomic Techniques is important because breeders and growers need confidence to invest in new solutions. The next stage will be ensuring that implementation is practical, transparent and supportive of responsible innovation across the supply chain.”

For breeders, the vote offers a clearer framework for future investment. For growers, the longer-term importance lies in whether new varieties can reach the market in ways that are commercially useful, clearly communicated and accepted by customers.

Plantum has described the decision as a breakthrough for the sector.

Michiel Klompenhouwer, Director of Plantum, said: “This is a breakthrough for the sector. After years of examining, substantiating, and holding discussions, there is now a European framework that we can truly move forward with. This gives breeders and growers the perspective to innovate even more broadly, and ensures that Europe can catch up with developments in the rest of the world. That is essential for a level playing field and the future of our sector.”

However, the immediate impact will not be overnight. Plantum notes that the implementation phase is expected to take several years before the rules can be fully applied in practice.

Professional growers and breeders will be watching the next stage closely. While the regulation may open the door to greater breeding innovation in Europe, its real value will depend on how workable, transparent and accessible the final implementation rules become for businesses across the horticultural supply chain.

Source note: Information from Plantum and the quote from Michiel Klompenhouwer are taken from Plantum’s press release of 18 June 2026.