May 05, 2026 | Source: GM Watch

Ahead of the crucial vote in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee (ENVI Committee), leading retail companies, including several Demeter (Biodynamic Federation) members, are calling for improvements to the draft legislation on new genomic techniques (new GM techniques, NGTs): labelling must be ensured right through to the end product, traceability must be guaranteed throughout the value chain, and European farmers and breeders must be protected from patents.

An alliance of European food retailers comprising REWE Group, Alnatura, Denree, dm-drogerie markt, EcorNaturaSì (Italy) and Odin (Netherlands) has joined a call from around 350 companies across the value chain, issuing a joint letter demanding improvements to the current draft regulation on NGTs.

Kerstin Erbe, managing director of dm Brands, said, “Transparent labelling of genetically modified foods is essential for consumers, as well as for all stakeholders involved in the supply chain. As retailers, we therefore urge the Members of the European Parliament to enshrine this very reasonable demand in law.”