Register here for the Zoom meeting
A recording of the webinar will be made available here.Â
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
- Johanna Eckhardt, No Patents on Seeds!:Â Introduction into the current debate and upcoming decisions in the European Parliament
- Christoph Then, No Patents on Seeds!: New findings from recent research on seed patents
- Frans Carree, DeBolster:Â Perspectives from breeders
- Annemarie Volling, Family Farmers Organisation (AbL): Perspectives from farmers
- Nout van der Vaart, Oxfam Novib: Perspectives from development organisations
- Comments from invited Members of Parliament and further discussions
- Closing remarks and recommendations
