Non-GMO supply chain unites against NGT deregulation
Organized by key industry groups—Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik (VLOG), ARGE Gentechnik-frei, Donau Soja, European Non-GMO Industry Association (ENGA), and ProTerra Foundation—the event drew attention to the need for consistent non-GMO standards as regulatory pressures mount.
Alexander Hissting, managing director of VLOG, emphasized the enduring strength of Europe’s non-GMO market, affirming that the sector “is here to stay.”
He is closely watching the debate on deregulation of NGTs, which could influence the non-GMO market. However, this discussion hasn’t yet reached the everyday operations of food producers or retailers, he claimed. While some have been informed and even signed letters regarding possible deregulation, they feel there’s no need for immediate action until specific regulations are set, he remarked.
Hissting also noted that the topic has minimal media coverage and limited public awareness; most consumers likely haven’t heard about NGTs and, therefore, have not altered their purchasing habits.
While the current discussion is largely academic then in Europe, he expressed concern about the future impact on non-GMO labeling standards if deregulation allows NGT crops to enter the European market without labeling. This scenario, he told us, would add complexity to maintaining non-GMO quality assurances.
He emphasized that detection tools are crucial for tracking NGTs in the food chain, highlighting the importance of having affordable and practical options available.
In a call with this publication post-summit, Heike Moldenhauer, secretary general of ENGA, also strongly advocated for mandatory detection capabilities, arguing that producers of NGTs should be required to provide reference materials, including genetic modification data, for transparent tracking.
The coordinator of the EU-funded DARWIN project, Odd-Gunnar Wikmark, based at the Norwegian research institute, NORCE, reported on future-oriented research into reliable detection methods for NGTs at the Frankfurt summit, outlining how it will be possible to develop detection methods for known varieties of NGTs. "And we are confident that in time also untargeted detection methods will be developed."
Like Hissting, Moldenhauer stressed that all NGTs should undergo rigorous risk assessment, labeling, and traceability measures to protect consumer choice.
Additionally, ENGA wants a clear liability framework based on the “polluter pays” principle, ensuring that any contamination of non-GMO products is addressed financially by those responsible.
Furthermore, the organization supports an opt-out mechanism allowing individual EU countries to restrict NGTs within their borders. Although this proposal has not yet been included in EU policy discussions, said Moldenhauer.
Representatives from FEFAC, FEDIOL, and COCERAL have raised concerns about potential labeling regulations, warned previously that mandatory labeling for NGTs deemed similar to conventional varieties could blur distinctions, potentially complicating consumer choices and stalling technological adoption.
Patent law
Immediate movement on NGT deregulation is unlikely this year, reported Hissting. But potential changes could emerge in 2025 when Poland assumes the EU Council presidency, he added.
Currently, there is no qualified majority in support of the EU Commission's proposal for NGT deregulation.
"Poland’s position will be critical, particularly regarding the patent implications of NGTs and whether these techniques should be patentable," said the VLOG lead.
European patent law encompasses not only EU jurisdictions but also countries outside of the EU-27, complicating any potential shifts in patent policy, he explained.
So while some MEPs have recently called for a ban on patents for NGT plants, Hissting considers this “wishful thinking” due to the legal and collaborative challenges involved.
Non-GMO soy sourcing from Brazil
Discussing non-GMO soy supply from Brazil, Hissting pointed to challenges faced by producers who lack market assurance and risk selling their non-GMO soy at standard GMO prices if demand falls. “If they could be assured of buyers willing to pay a premium for non-GMO soy, production would increase,” he observed.
Hissting noted that increased communication along the supply chain, especially between European buyers and Brazilian growers, could help stabilize prices and make non-GMO soy a more reliable option. Market volatility, characterized by boom-and-bust cycles, often deters Brazilian producers from committing to non-GMO production.
Stronger personal connections and consistent communication across the value chain would help avoid misunderstandings and misalignment. It is akin to bridging “two different planets” when stakeholders from Europe and Brazil attempt to work together without clear dialogue, he added.
The VLOG representative further noted that, historically, multinational corporations have shown limited interest in promoting the non-GMO sector, often viewing a lack of distinction between GMO and non-GMO as easier.
