Political agreement on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), including gene editing, advances a science-based path for plant breeding innovation and supports Cibus’ plans to bring improved traits to European growers The agreed legislative text outlining a framework for NGTs in the EU will now move to formal endorsement by the European Parliament and Council SAN DIEGO, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cibus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBUS) (the “Company”), a leading agricultural technology company that develops and licenses p ...

Core Viewpoint - The proposed legislation in the EU aims to adapt regulations to support New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) like gene editing, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security while aligning EU policies with global trading partners [1][4]. Group 1: Legislation and Regulatory Changes - The EU member states have endorsed the Council's negotiating mandate on NGT regulations, allowing for trilogue discussions with the EU Parliament and European Commission to finalize the legislation [2]. - The legislation introduces a 'conventional-like' category for NGT-1 products, which will be regulated similarly to conventional varieties, exempting them from EU GMO legislation and labeling requirements [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Impact and Opportunities - The regulation is expected to benefit EU growers by providing access to improved plant varieties and facilitating international trade by aligning EU policies with those of North and South America, the UK, India, Australia, and Japan [4]. - Cibus, a leader in agricultural technology, supports the regulation as it will enhance opportunities for innovators, particularly in academia and SMEs, to develop NGT products that contribute to a sustainable agri-food system [5]. - Cibus' RTDS technologies produce 'conventional-like' crop varieties, focusing on traits such as reduced seed loss and increased disease resistance, which will be developed under the new EU regulatory framework [6]. Group 3: Company Overview - Cibus specializes in gene editing to address productivity and sustainability challenges in agriculture, with a focus on major global row crops like canola, rice, and soybean [7]. - The company operates as a technology provider, licensing traits to seed companies and generating royalties from seed sales, aiming to commercialize plant traits more efficiently than conventional breeding methods [7].

Core Points - The proposed legislation in the EU aims to adapt laws to reflect advancements in scientific and technological progress, particularly focusing on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) like gene editing to enhance sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security [1][3] - The legislation introduces a 'conventional-like' category for NGT-1 products, which will be regulated similarly to conventional varieties, aligning EU regulations more closely with those of global trading partners [1][4] - The Council's agreement on the negotiating mandate allows for trilogue discussions with the European Parliament and the European Commission to finalize the legislation [2][5] Industry Impact - The legislation is part of a broader initiative to ensure sustainable resource use and strengthen the resilience of EU food systems, allowing for the development of plants that can be classified as 'conventional-like' and exempt from GMO regulations [3][4] - This regulatory framework is expected to facilitate international trade by aligning EU policies with those of major trading partners, including North and South America, the UK, India, Australia, and Japan [4][5] - The advancements in NGT regulation are anticipated to provide a boost to innovators, particularly in academia and small to mid-sized enterprises, who are developing NGT products for a sustainable agri-food system [5][6] Company Overview - Cibus, Inc. is a leading agricultural technology company that develops and licenses plant traits to seed companies, focusing on gene editing to address productivity and sustainability challenges in agriculture [7] - The company utilizes RTDS® technologies to produce improved crop varieties that fall under the 'conventional-like' category, targeting reduced seed loss, increased disease resistance, and enhanced nutrient use efficiency [6][7] - Cibus is not a seed company but a technology firm that licenses traits to seed companies, with a long-term focus on major global row crops such as canola, rice, and soybean [7]