The European Union now has a new regulatory framework for plants obtained using certain new genomic techniques (NGTs). Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 lays down specific rules for these plant breeding techniques and distinguishes between modifications comparable to those that could be obtained through conventional breeding and other, more complex genetic modifications.
The publication of this regulation marks a significant change for plant breeding in Europe, following years of debate on how to adapt the regulations to the development of tools such as targeted mutagenesis or cisgenesis.
At Agrométodos, we analyse what these new genomic techniques are, what the European regulations stipulate, and what implications they may have for agriculture and the future management of crops.
What are the new genomic techniques?
The new genomic techniques comprise a range of tools that enable specific modifications to be made to a plant’s genetic material. These include targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis, techniques that allow for more precise manipulation of certain genetic characteristics.
One of the main difference with regard to transgenesis is that the techniques covered by the new regulation can make modifications without introducing genetic material from sexually incompatible species.
This makes it possible, for example, to focus breeding programmes on traits relating to tolerance to specific biotic or abiotic stresses, water and nutrient use efficiency, yield stability or specific quality characteristics.
However, referring to agronomic potential does not mean that all these characteristics will be present in every variety obtained through NTG. The outcome will depend on the crop, the selected trait and the specific breeding process.
Two categories for regulating plants obtained through NTG
One of the main changes introduced by Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 is the creation of two categories of NTG plants, each subject to different requirements.
Category 1 NTG plants
This category includes plants that meet the criteria established for being considered as having been obtained through conventional plant breeding methods.
These plants must undergo a verification procedure. Once their status as Category 1 NTG plants has been recognised, they will be exempt from most of the requirements laid down by European legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The regulations do, however, maintain mechanisms for information and transparency. Among other measures, they provide for specific information on plant reproductive material and a public database.
Furthermore, certain traits are excluded from this category, such as herbicide tolerance.
Category 2 NTG plants
Plants that do not meet the criteria established for Category 1 will be considered Category 2 NTG plants.
In this case, they will remain subject to requirements based on the regulatory framework for GMOs, including risk assessment and authorisation procedures prior to placing them on the market, although the new regulation introduces specific provisions for these plants.
The distinction therefore aims to adapt regulatory requirements to the characteristics
When will the new regulation on new genomic techniques come into force?
Although the regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 26 June 2026 and entered into force twenty days later, its general application is scheduled for 17 July 2028.
This period will allow for the development of some of the mechanisms necessary for its implementation and will facilitate the adaptation of public authorities and operators.
Certain provisions relating, amongst other things, to intellectual property and patents have a specific timetable and became applicable from July 2026.
What can new genomic techniques contribute to agriculture?
From an agronomic perspective, the value of these techniques lies in expanding the range of tools available for developing new plant varieties.
The regulation itself identifies various traits towards which breeding can be directed, such as tolerance or resistance to diseases and pests, response to abiotic stress, more efficient use of water and nutrients, yield stability, or a reduced need for certain inputs.
It also covers traits related to the quality and nutritional composition of plant products.
These possibilities are particularly interesting in a context where agriculture must adapt to changing environmental conditions and manage available resources more precisely.
However, a specific genetic improvement is no substitute for agronomic management. A variety’s performance continues to depend on factors such as soil characteristics, water availability, climatic conditions, plant nutrition, pest and disease pressure, and the practices employed on each farm.
Genetic improvement and agronomic management must go hand in hand
The future availability of new varieties may broaden the options available to farmers and agricultural advisers when selecting the most suitable plant material for each farm.
A variety that is more efficient in its use of certain nutrients, for example, will still require a fertilisation strategy tailored to the crop, the soil and its specific needs. Similarly, greater tolerance to a particular stress does not eliminate the need for proper crop monitoring.
Therefore, new genomic techniques should be viewed as just another tool within an integrated agronomic strategy.
Plant breeding, soil science, water management, plant nutrition and crop monitoring will continue to form part of the same decision-making process.
A new landscape for plant breeding in Europe
Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 establishes, for the first time in the European Union, a specific framework for certain plants obtained using new genomic techniques, classifying them according to the characteristics of the modifications made.
Its actual impact on agriculture will become clearer as new varieties are developed, the implementation of the regulations progresses and these solutions reach farms.
For farmers and agricultural technicians, it will be important to assess each innovation in light of the specific characteristics of the crop and the conditions on each farm, avoiding the temptation to consider genetic improvement in isolation from the rest of agronomic management.
On the Agrométodos blog, we will continue to explore advances in agricultural innovation, plant breeding and crop management, with a particular focus on their practical application and their integration into an agricultural sector that is increasingly based on knowledge and decision-making.
Frequently asked questions about new genomic techniques
What are new genomic techniques in agriculture?
These are techniques that enable specific modifications to be introduced into a plant’s genome. Among those covered by the new European regulation are directed mutagenesis and cisgenesis.
Are plants obtained using NGTs the same as transgenic plants?
Not necessarily. The new regulation distinguishes between different types of modifications and establishes a specific framework for certain NGTs. Category 1 NGT plants that meet the established criteria are subject to different regulatory treatment from that applied to GMOs under conventional legislation.
When will the European regulation on NTGs come into force?
Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 will generally apply from 17 July 2028, although some of its provisions apply from July 2026.
What agricultural applications might the new genomic techniques have?
They may be used in breeding programmes aimed, amongst other traits, at resistance to certain stresses, efficiency in the use of water and nutrients, yield stability or the improvement of certain quality characteristics.
