From Time Inc.:

European Parliament’s environment committee voted to relax rules on genetically modified plants produced using new genomic techniques, dividing opinions and causing sharp criticism from environmental groups. The proposal is set to be voted on during the Feb. 5-8 plenary session.

37 Nobel prize winners and other scientists support the new genomic techniques, urging EU lawmakers to embrace innovation. The current legislation ensures detailed labeling and warnings on GMO products, giving it strong environmentalist backing.

The proposal aims to create two categories and two sets of rules for NGT plants, loosening restrictions on equivalent crops without exemptions from current requirements. The committee also agreed on a ban on patents filed for NGT plants.

Committee rapporteur Jessica Polfjard believes the proposal will strengthen Europe’s food safety sustainably. Greenpeace disagrees, asserting that the new law could threaten the rights of farmers and consumers. EU law is required to ensure citizen rights to health and environmental protection.



Read more: EU Parliament backs more lax GMO rules—and environmentalists are worried