Limagrain’s position on new genomic techniques (NGT)

On December 10 and 11, 2023, the European Agriculture and Fisheries Council issued a statement on new genomic techniques. For the first time Limagrain, a cooperative and pure player in seeds, is taking a position in an open letter signed by its Chairman, Sébastien Vidal:

It’s now or never! France must to take its place at the forefront of agricultural innovation!

Agriculture has undergone a series of revolutions in recent history. The first two occurred during the Industrial Age, in the 18th and 19th centuries. They led to the development of mechanized, motorized farming tools to meet the challenge of feeding a growing population. We are now living through the third agricultural revolution. This one leverages agronomy, digital technology, robotics, and genetics to tackle today’s food and climate challenges.

French and European farmers have always skillfully adopted the tools developed in response to the challenges of their day. That is definitely true of genetics, the centuries-old craft of breeding and hybridizing plants with appealing properties to produce the fruit, vegetable, cereal, and oilseed varieties that are so familiar on our plates today.

Plant breeders must be allowed access to the tools that will enable them to ensure food sovereignty and decrease reliance on inputs.

Plant breeders and farmers must guarantee sustainable food production and protect soils by reducing dependence on inputs like fertilizers and plant protection products, although those inputs will remain vitally important.

While new genomic techniques (NGT) won’t solve these issues single-handedly, Europe cannot remain competitive without them. If it wants to achieve its key objective of cutting back on the use of plant protection products, it must acquire the tools that make that possible.

Despite the scaremongering, plants developed using NGT are not “stealth GMOs”, as some have labeled them—they do not have a drop of foreign DNA! NGTs make it possible to quickly develop new plant varieties with desired characteristics, like disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional value.

France must give itself the means—the research and innovation tools—to achieve its ambitions.

Very soon, France will have to take a stance either for or against the proposed European legislation on new genomic techniques. Now that France has created its Presidential Council for Science, it must walk the walk and make research and the sciences a priority in our country. Access to new genomic techniques for plant breeding does exactly that, as well as ensuring food sovereignty.

Simply put, we need NGTs to support the transition to a resilient economy and a sustainable food system. Instead of obstacles, we need appropriate regulations that encourage their development to ensure that France and Europe play a leading role in innovative plant breeding and preserve high-quality seed security.

The world needs a France that innovates. We must answer the call!

Sébastien Vidal, Chairman of Limagrain