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Start of trilogue negotiations on the regulation of new genetic engineering

Representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers began negotiations on the regulation of new genetic engineering (NGT) in Strasbourg on 6 May 2025. A background paper by the European Non-GMO Industry Association (ENGA) shows that consistent labelling of old and new genetic engineering would be possible.

Expert opinion: Planned deregulation of genetic engineering would violate international law

The EU Commission's deregulation plans for new genetic engineering (NGT) violate the "Cartagena Protocol". This is the conclusion of a legal opinion by international law expert Silja Vöneky on behalf of the German Ministry of Agriculture (BMEL).

Non-GMO Summit Brazil 2025: Cooperation from soy cultivation to the store counter

The Non-GMO Summit Brazil proved to be an important event for strengthening the "Ohne Gentechnik" (Non-GMO) sector in Brazil. VLOG was one of several supporters of the event.

New German Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer: A practitioner for decent genetic engineering regulations?

Alois Rainer is to be the new German Minister of Agriculture. The politician of the CSU party is well qualified to advocate genetic engineering regulations in the interests of the food industry.

"Ohne Gentechnik" products sold for over 17 billion euros

In 2024, around 17.1 billion euros were spent on "Ohne Gentechnik" (Non-GMO) food in Germany. The successful market is now counting on political support from the new German government.

Sales of "Ohne Gentechnik" eggs doubled in past 5 years

In 2024, eggs with the "Ohne GenTechnik" (Non-GMO) seal were sold for over 1.6 billion euros, which is 6.4 percent more than in the previous year. Over the last five years, sales of labelled eggs have almost doubled, from around 0.8 billion euros in 2019.

Coalition Agreement: Positive signals for "Ohne Gentechnik" and consumers

The coalition agreement presented by the German parties CDU, CSU and SPD on 9 April 2025 contains positive signals for the GMO-free food industry. According to media reports, Michaela Kaniber (CSU) could become Minister of Agriculture in the upcoming German government.

New cooperation between VLOG and ZKHL simplifies the seal usage

With immediate effect, VLOG is taking over the tasks of a co-operating inspection system for the ZKHL for assigning the "Good Products from German Agriculture" label of origin. This significantly reduces the workload for businesses.

Agriculture Ministers' Conference: Several German states want to abolish GMO labelling

A number of German Länder are explicitly calling for the labelling requirement for new genetic engineering in food to be abolished. This is a slap in the face for consumers and the food industry.

Mandate for new government coalition: 94 percent want labelling of new genetic engineering

According to a study by the German government, 94 percent of adults in Germany want mandatory labelling for new genetic engineering (NGT) in food. The future German government must take this seriously and enforce it in Brussels.

Majority position of EU Member States: Major need for improvement in NGT deregulation

After more than a year and a half, the EU Member States have agreed on a common position on the deregulation of new genetic engineering (NGT). This is unlikely to be the hoped-for breakthrough, as there are still no regulations on labelling requirements and coexistence. The food industry and consumers will not accept this.

Özdemir supports demands for freedom of choice and coexistence

German Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir has received the Open Letter from the business initiative "Food Industry for Freedom of Choice on Genetic Engineering in Food" in Stuttgart, Germany, on 7 March 2025. The minister promised the Managing Directors of dm, Alnatura and other signatories to support the businesses' demands. In just a few days, there could be a major decision on this subject in Brussels.

Bundestag election 2025: What genetic engineering policy will Germany have?

A look at the German Parliament (Bundestag) election programmes shows what the parties have in mind when it comes to genetic engineering. Agriculture Minister Özdemir reaffirms his commitment to transparency and freedom of choice. Organisations critical of genetic engineering launch an email campaign to coincide with the election.

International Green Week 2025: "Ohne Gentechnik" discussed

"Ohne Gentechnik" (Non-GMO) and new genetic engineering were the topics of discussion at the 2025 International Green Week in Berlin. The German Association Food without Genetic Engineering (VLOG) used the trade show for talks with politicians and other stakeholders.

Legal opinion: Do not shift liability risks for new genetic engineering to the EU food industry!

The planned dilution of genetic engineering regulations in the EU would shift safety testing and liability risks for plants produced with new genetic engineering and the products derived from them from biotechnology businesses to the food industry. These hitherto unnoticed consequences of the EU Commission's plans to deregulate genetic engineering are highlighted in a new legal opinion by the Berlin law firm GGSC on behalf of the German Association for Food without Genetic Engineering (VLOG).

New genetic engineering proposal not helpful

The current Polish Council Presidency has presented a new proposal for the future regulation of new genetic engineering in the EU. However, the key issues of labeling, risk assessment, liability and coexistence remain unresolved.

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