New genomic techniques for sustainable agriculture and their prospects in Europe

Could societal debates over the future of new genomic techniques (NGTs) in sustainable agriculture be hampered by entrenched positions of environmental groups and/or populist political actors, as was the fate of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Europe? Apart from a few countries in Eastern Europe, current media coverage, the interests of environmental organizations, and public opinion point to a favourable reception of NGTs in the majority of European countries. Transparency and openness are argued to be the key to public support.