Roundtable: Rethinking European food production in times of crisis

BACKGROUND: On July 5th the Commission tabled a policy proposal on plant products derived from New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). By exempting certain NGTs – such as CRISPR – from the EU’s genetic engineering law, the proposal is expected to chart a new course for the Union.

While not yet adopted, the proposal has already been heavily debated. Proponents stress that products produced using NGT can strengthen crops’ climate resilience and thus secure yields needed to ensure global food supplies, reduce the need for pesticides (and thus support the environment), and contribute to a more competitive European economy. In addition, both research institutions and European industry have underscored the need to eliminate red tape to decrease the time it takes to bring new biotechnology innovations to market. Opponents and sceptics on the other hand stress that opening up the European market to products produced using NGTs can introduce both food safety and environmental risks, and that it could deprive consumers of the freedom to choose NGT-free products.

Based on the Commission’s proposal, the purpose of the roundtable is to take stock of the ongoing discussions about NGTs as they are unfolding both from a consumer, sustainability and innovation perspective. The roundtable also aims to explore lessons learned from the England where regulation on genetically modified organism was amended in March 2022, to ease the regulatory requirements for products produced using new genomic techniques.

The event is by invitation only and Chatham House rules apply.

10.00 - 10.20 - INTRODUCTION: WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS

Welcome and opening remarks on the role of Biosolutions in Boosting Europe’s Green Transition – Thomas Stenfeldt Batchelor, Vice President for New Business Development and Long Term Growth, Novozymes

Moderator: Ditte Brasso Sørensen, Chief Analyst Think Tank EUROPA

10.20 - 10.45 - KEYNOTE: UPDATE ON THE COMMISSION’S POLICY INITIATIVE

The Commission presents its recently launched NGT-proposal – Irene Sacristan-Sanchez, Head of Unit, Biotechnolocy, DG Santé.

11.00 – 11.45 - PANEL: SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION IN TIMES OF CRISIS

How do we ensure adequate and sustainable food production, both in the EU and beyond? What are the main challenges to overcome, and how are these addressed? What role do biosolutions and NGTs play in securing European and global food supplies?

Moderated conversation between:

• Daniel Sargent, Head of the Genetics, Genomics and Breeding Department, NIAB

• Anne-Gaëlle Collot, Director Industrial Biotech, EuropaBio

• Jarne Ellehom, Chairman of the Board at EvodiaBio

• Sybille Kyed, Head of Farm and Food Policy, Organic Denmark

• Peter Steen Mortensen, Director and Head of Global Public Affairs at Novozymes

11.45 – 12.30 - PANEL: ETHICS AND CONSUMERS’ CHOICE

Advancing the use pf NGT plant products raises ethical issues, both if they are introduced and if they are restricted. In addition, their introduction raises safety concerns from the consumers, calling on the need for awareness campaigns. This panel will discuss issues such as labeling, information needs and methods to raise consumer awareness.

Moderated conversation between:

• Hermann Broll, Senior Scientific Research Officer, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

• Tejs Binderup, Fødevaredirektør, Fødevarestyrelsen
• Christian Gamborg, Member of The Danish Council of Ethics

• Oliver Watson, Senior Policy Advisor, Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, United Kingdom (TBC)

• Patricija Gran, Board Member at the Gene Sprout Initiative