Europe Can’t Afford to Fall Behind: Jessica Polfjärd on the EU’s NGT Turning Point

Europe’s new agreement on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) marks a significant turning point for plant breeding and seed innovation. Led by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jessica Polfjärd, the NGT dossier successfully balanced science, politics, and national interests to reach a compromise. This reform aims to modernize EU regulation, support farmers, strengthen food security, and unlock gene-editing tools for climate resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness.

The political agreement on NGTs is a long-awaited milestone that could reshape the future of plant breeding and innovation in the seed sector. At the heart of this complex and often contentious process stood Jessica Polfjärd, who served as the rapporteur for the NGT dossier. As rapporteur, she carried the responsibility of steering a file that combined cutting-edge science, deeply held political views, and a remarkable diversity of national interests. The task required not only technical understanding but also resilience, diplomacy, and a willingness to keep talking when compromise seemed out of reach. Under her guidance, the Parliament was able to find common ground and move the dossier towards a successful conclusion.

Seed World Europe (SWE): Jessica, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be involved in politics? What were the experiences that guided you to where you are today?

Jessica Polfjärd (JP): I have been involved in politics for many years, an engagement that began already during my school years, driven by a desire to make a difference and allow everyone to reach their full potential. I have been a politician on a local level, on a national level, and now on a European level. I have seen first-hand what a difference politics can make, on all levels, when politicians care. My goal has always been to help shape policies in both Sweden and Europe that make our societies safer, freer, and greener.

My experiences in Sweden showed me the importance of European cooperation and the need for a unified approach to global challenges. This understanding led me to pursue a career in European politics, where I could contribute to shaping policies that affect millions of people across the continent.

SWE: Why did you choose to take on the NGT file? What motivated you to focus on this particular area?

JP: The NGT file was a natural choice for me because it aligns with my passion for sustainability, innovation, and supporting farmers. The potential of New Genomic Techniques to improve crop resilience to climate change, increase food security, and enhance agricultural productivity is immense. However, this potential was being held back by outdated regulations that were not keeping pace with scientific advancements.

As a politician, it is my responsibility to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of innovation and that our farmers have the tools they need to thrive. The NGT dossier presented an opportunity to modernize EU regulation, strike a balance between scientific progress and public concerns, and support European farmers in becoming more competitive on a global scale.

SWE: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while working on the NGT dossier?

JP: One of the biggest challenges was the diversity of opinions and interests among the Member States. Each country had its own priorities and concerns, which needed to be addressed in a way that would satisfy everyone. Additionally, there were significant differences in the regulatory frameworks of various countries, which made harmonizing a common approach difficult.

Another challenge was the need to balance the benefits of New Genomic Techniques with public concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While many scientists and farmers recognized the potential of NGTs, there were also concerns among the general public about the safety and environmental impact of these techniques.

To address these challenges, I worked closely with stakeholders from across the EU, including farmers, scientists, environmental groups, and regulators. I also engaged in extensive discussions with my parliamentary colleagues to build consensus and find common ground.

SWE: How did you manage to keep the process moving forward despite these challenges?

JP: Persistence and a willingness to engage in dialogue were key to keeping the process moving forward. I recognized that reaching a compromise would require concessions from all sides, and I was determined to find a solution that would benefit everyone.

I also drew on my experience in national politics, where I had learned the importance of building relationships and understanding the perspectives of different groups. By fostering open communication and demonstrating a genuine commitment to finding a solution, I was able to build trust and cooperation among my colleagues.

SWE: What do you hope to achieve with the new NGT regulation? How will it impact the EU’s agricultural sector and its competitiveness on the global stage?

JP: The new NGT regulation will modernize EU regulation, enabling farmers to take advantage of the latest scientific advancements in plant breeding. This will help them produce crops that are more resilient to climate change, pests, and diseases, ultimately improving food security and supporting sustainable agriculture.

By unlocking the potential of New Genomic Techniques, the regulation will also enhance the competitiveness of the EU’s agricultural sector on the global stage. European farmers will be better equipped to meet the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable food products, while also maintaining their livelihoods and contributing to environmental protection.

In conclusion, the new agreement on New Genomic Techniques represents a turning point for plant breeding and seed innovation in Europe. Led by Jessica Polfjärd, the NGT dossier has successfully balanced science, politics, and national interests to reach a compromise that will modernize EU regulation, support farmers, strengthen food security, and unlock gene-editing tools for climate resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness. This achievement underscores the importance of perseverance, diplomacy, and a shared commitment to progress in shaping the future of Europe’s agricultural sector.