Two informative sessions on NGTs

31 January, 11:00-14:40 CET

Please register here

New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) are being presented by some political actors as a solution to a variety of problems in several ongoing political files; from reducing the use of synthetic pesticides – in the sustainable use of pesticides (SUR) proposal – to ensuring food security – in the Commission’s Staff Working Document “Drivers of Food Security”.

This online workshop is designed for civil society groups that are not specifically working on this topic. It aims at providing you with background information on NGTs, and to answer your questions, so that you have a better understanding of this topic and are better prepared if NGTs come up in the political discussions in your areas of work.

The views and opinions expressed will be those of the speakers. The EEB does not specifically work on NGTs.

AGENDA – Tuesday 31 January

Welcome words

11:00-12:30 Session 1 – NGTs: Between high expectations and a new dimension of risks

Astrid Österreicher, EU Policy Advisor at Testbiotech

• New genetic engineering (NGTs) in the EU political context

Christoph Then, Executive Director of Testbiotech

• Technical potentials of NGTs
• Risks and hazards associated with the release of NGT organisms
• Hypothetical benefits of NGTs in regard to agriculture
• Regulatory needs
• Q&A

Lunch Break

14:00-14:40 Session 2 – NGTs and pesticides

Lars Neumeister, Pesticide Expert for foodwatch

• What is the pesticide reduction potential of NGTs currently in the pipeline?
• Why don’t we implement better alternatives to pesticides (and to NGTs)?
• Q&A

Only registered participants will be able to attend. The registration will close two days before the event. Registered participants will receive the participating link by mail ahead of the event .