Slovakia to challenge EU gene-edited crop rules

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Sept. 2 that Slovakia will challenge in court new European Union rules allowing some plants produced with gene-editing techniques, citing health concerns.

The regulations came into force in July and allow the use of plants obtained through new genomic techniques, known as NGTs. Unlike traditional genetically modified organisms made by introducing genes from other organisms, NGT plants are produced by adding, removing or altering a small part of their own DNA using gene-editing tools.

Fico did not specify which court Slovakia would turn to. He said the case would be demanding and complex, and said Slovakia was concerned about what modified food or products from such plants could mean for health.

Farming unions have supported the new approach, saying it could help develop crops that better resist climate change effects or require less fertiliser and pesticide. Environmental groups and the organic farming sector have opposed the regulation.