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EU plant breeding regulation: Safeguarding agricultural innovation and consumers

29-09-2017

EU plant breeding regulation: Safeguarding agricultural innovation and consumers

Plant breeding techniques have emerged as an innovation-driven solution to the many problems EU agriculture is facing. Plant breeding innovation has the potential to increase agricultural production and hence secure global food security, protect the environment and support societal development.

However, this type of innovation remains controversial and debate is fierce about how such seeds and plants should be regulated. Some stakeholders fear that a slow decision-making process might hinder innovation and growth, whereas other voices have raised concern over the safety of these products.

EURACTIV invites you to this workshop to discuss the future of biotechnology and plant breeding techniques in Europe. The workshop will be the occasion to continue the discussion initiated by the European Commission at its event “Modern biotechnologies in agriculture” taking place the previous day. Questions will include:
- How can plant breeding techniques help European agriculture?
- How should the European Commission and Member States regulate plant breeding techniques? What criteria should be applied?
- What are the main challenges for plant breeding techniques in Europe? What solutions can be implemented?
- How can a balance be maintained between innovation and food safety?
- What is the fine line between policy-making and public opinion?

All participants will have the opportunity to submit questions and observations about the topic of discussion and follow-up on the debate from the EC event “Modern biotechnologies in agriculture” organised on 28 September.


This is an invitation-only event.

Supported by:

Location

Euractiv Network Office
Boulevard Charlemagne 1, 1041 Brussels

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Panellists

Annette Schneegans, Senior Expert, Research and Innovation Unit, DG AGRI
Neal Gutterson, Leader Research and Development, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont
Thor Kofoed, Chairman of the Seed Working Group, COPA COGECA
Luc Vernet, Senior Fellow, Farm Europe

Schedule

12:00 – 12:30 Registration and networking lunch
12:30 – 13:00 Opening statements
13:00 – 14:00 Open discussion and Q&A

Highlights video