Future Regulation of NGT Plants and Seed Patents: Time to Take the Right Decisions

Webinar

Find the recording of this workshop on Zoom (only the part of the presentations, not the discussion)

The presentations of the speakers can be found in the program below.

Online Workshop

Future Regulation of NGT Plants and Seed Patents: Time to Take the Right Decisions

📅 10 June 2026
🕒 13:30 – 14:30 CET

Ahead of the decisive votes in the European Parliament on 15 June (ENVI Committee) and 17 June (Plenary), this workshop will address the future of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) and the growing issue of seed patents in Europe.

These upcoming decisions will shape the future of food and agriculture in Europe. In particular, the question of patents on seeds requires urgent attention. Recent research on patent applications and grants by the European Patent Office (EPO) reveals an alarming trend:
👉 Naturally occurring gene variants are increasingly being claimed as technical inventions — including the plants derived from conventional breeding methods such as crossing and selection.
👉 Contrary to some claims, such patents are still being granted.

👉 More info in our publications: https://www.no-patents-on-seeds.org/en/background/publications

This trend risks restricting access to vital genetic diversity, which is essential for developing disease-resistant and climate-resilient crops. Small and medium-sized breeders are likely to be disproportionately affected through higher costs and increased dependency - even if they do not use genetic engineering.

At the same time, the rise of NGT applications is contributing to an increase in seed patents. The European Parliament now has an opportunity to act and prevent further monopolisation of seeds through the upcoming regulation.

However, the current compromise text on NGTs may lead to market distortions, disadvantaging smaller breeders, farmers, and food producers. Several amendments have been proposed that could address these concerns. If these are not adopted, rejecting the regulation should remain an option.

What to expect from the workshop

  • Presentation of the latest research on international seed patenting trends
  • Perspectives and recommendations from farmers, plant breeders and civil society
  • Discussion with invited Members of the European Parliament

Program