European farmers and environmental groups converged on Brussels on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, to protest proposed revisions to regulations governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), according to reports from De Wereld Morgen.
The core of the dispute centers on the European Commission’s intention to allow new genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas, without mandatory risk assessments, traceability measures, or labeling requirements. Biofarmer Greet Lambrecht of Vitale Rassen vzw voiced concerns that consumers would be unable to determine if GMOs are present in their food. “Niemand zal nog weten of hij of zij ggo’s op zijn bord krijgt,” Lambrecht stated, translated as “No one will know if they have GMOs on their plate.”
Protesters argue that the proposed changes threaten the integrity of organic farming. Lambrecht emphasized that the absence of guarantees for GMO-free production jeopardizes the growth of the organic sector, particularly if stringent safeguards are not in place to prevent contamination.
The planned legislation also raises concerns among plant breeders who develop new crop varieties at the request of farmers. The potential for patents on traits obtained through new GMOs could restrict the freedom of plant breeding, according to Boer Tijs Boelens of Boerenforum. Boelens cautioned that the nutritional value or toxicity of crops could be unintentionally altered by these new techniques.
Beyond the impact on organic agriculture and plant breeding, the European Commission is also preparing regulations that would tighten restrictions on the use and exchange of seeds. Lambrecht characterized plant breeding as a fundamental right, arguing that the proposed measures would curtail farmers’ ability to engage in this practice.
The debate over GMOs extends beyond regulatory concerns. A report from EOS Wetenschap highlights differing perspectives on the role of GMOs in sustainable agriculture. While some, like Bart Staes and Petra De Sutter of Groen, associate GMOs with monoculture and corporate control, others, including Dirk Inzé and Geert De Jaeger of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, argue that GMO technology is simply a breeding technique and can be applied on both large and minor scales.
According to BioForum, the deregulation of new GMO techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas, eliminates the requirement for risk analysis, traceability, and labeling. This lack of traceability means GMO products can enter the food system undetected, potentially contaminating even organic produce. A Facebook post from Kollebloem highlighted that 80% of consumers do not want GMOs on their plates.
As of December 3, 2025, BioForum reported that the EU was moving quickly to approve the changes, with negotiations expected to conclude before Christmas. BioForum is urging consumers to contact their representatives in the European Parliament to voice their opposition, and a European petition has already garnered over 500,000 signatures.
