Core Points - The EU has reached an agreement on new regulations that pave the way for the use of gene editing technology in agriculture, aimed at helping farmers cultivate healthier plant and animal varieties to address climate change challenges [1][3] - The new regulations exempt gene-edited organisms from the EU's GMO regulatory framework, distinguishing gene editing from traditional genetic modification by simulating natural breeding processes without introducing cross-species DNA [1][3] Industry Impact - The agricultural protection industry views this technology as essential for enhancing crop and livestock resilience against extreme weather, pests, and diseases, providing EU farmers a competitive edge against countries like the US that already permit gene editing [3][4] - The EU Council stated that the new regulations will make the EU food system safer and more sustainable, enabling the cultivation of crops that are more resilient to climate change and pests, with higher yields and reduced reliance on fertilizers and pesticides [3][4] Regulatory Changes - The new measures are expected to reduce administrative burdens while enhancing the competitiveness of breeding companies and farmers [4] - The regulations still require formal approval from the European Parliament and the EU Council before coming into effect [3] Stakeholder Reactions - The EU agricultural association Copa-Cogeca welcomed the agreement as a historic advancement and the only practical solution for farmers under the EU's Green Deal framework [5] - Environmental organization "Friends of the Earth" criticized the regulatory relaxation, labeling it as a deregulation of new genetically modified organisms and a "pass" for the biotechnology industry [6]