b'STATUS UK class researchers, CBRC isgovernment officials told Mint.The deal between the The UKs Precision Breedinghelping deliver practical solu- This will expand the countrysCouncil of the EU and the Act has officially come intotions and improved genet- capacity from the existing twoEuropean Parliament estab-force, marking a transforma- ics that respond to evolvingfacilities at Indian Council oflishes a new, two-tier frame-tive moment for British agri- market and environmentalAgricultural Research (ICAR)work that distinguishes culture and crop research. Thedemands. centres to seven by the end ofbetween NGT plants equiva-Act creates a new, science- this fiscal year. lent to conventional varie-based regulatory frameworkKnown as generationties (Category 1) and those for precision-bred organ- STATUS AUSTRALIA multiplication, this processrequiring stricter oversight ismsincluding gene-editedQueenslands cotton indus- applies to crops such as(Category 2). Category 1 plantsand formally distin- try is set for a major boostwheat, rice, cotton, soybean,NGT plants will benefit from guishes them from traditionalthrough Future Cotton, amillets, maize and mustard.a simplified approval pro-GMOs. This shift is expectednew four-year partnershipUnder controlled conditions,cess, with no product label-to accelerate the developmentbetween CRDC and Qldresearchers can achieve fourling required, although seed and commercialisation ofDPI. The multi-million-dollargenerations annually ratherbags and official seed listings improved crop varieties. program will drive innovation,than the typical one or two,will indicate NGT-1 status. An Although some expertsimprove sustainability, andcutting the breeding cycleexclusion list will prevent traits emphasise the continued needstrengthen grower supportby two to three yearsfromsuch as herbicide tolerance for public engagement, trans- across key regions includingsix years to as little as two toand the production of known parency, and robust safeguardsGoondiwindi, Emerald andthree years. This means newinsecticidal substances fromparticularly as future provi- Toowoomba. varieties can reach farmersentering Category 1, ensuring sions for animals are consid- The initiative focuses onmuch faster. these remain regulated under eredthe overall consensus ismajor industry challenges India is establishing newCategory 2. More complex that the Precision Breeding Actpest and disease manage- crop research facilities at keyNGT-2 plants will continue to heralds a new era of innovation- ment, emissions reduction,ICAR institutes nationwide,fall under existing GMO rules, driven, sustainable agriculture inag-tech adoption and climateincluding centers in Nagpur,including traceability and the UK. resiliencewhile expandingHyderabad, New Delhi, Ranchilabelling, and Member States . research and extension capac- and Ludhiana, with investmentsretain the option to ban their ity. Led by Dr Paul Grundy andranging from 212 crore each.cultivation.STATUS CANADA coordinated by CRDCs SusanSome will target specific crops,The agreement also intro-The Canadian BarleyMaas, the program includeswhile others support multiple.duces greater transparency Research Coalition (CBRC)new regional RD&E staff,Existing centers in Bharatpuraround patenting, requiring announced an investment ofintegrated work with initiativesand Karnal are already opera- disclosure of existing or pend-$1,148,900 over three yearslike ACDC and Cotton LEIFS,tional. Between 2014 anding patents when registering in a Core Barley Breedingand direct collaboration with2024, Indias research systemNGT-1 plants and establishing Agreement with Agriculturegrowers on practical, on-farmdeveloped 2,900 improvedan expert group to assess and Agri-Food Canadasolutions. crop varieties. The new facilitiesthe impact on innovation (AAFC). This producer-fundedOverall, Future Cotton aimsaim to boost productivity, farmand seed availability. The EU investment will support theto lift productivity, reduce emis- incomes and climate resiliencehighlights that the new frame-development of new barleysions, and secure the long-termacross Indias agriculturalwork is intended to support varieties with higher yields,prosperity of Queenslands $1sector. (Source: MENAFN)competitiveness, sustainabil-stronger disease resistance,billion cotton sector. ity, and resilience in European and improved agronomics tofood systems. The provisional ensure the long-term competi- STATUS EUROPE agreement now awaits formal tiveness and sustainability ofSTATUS INDIA The European Union hasendorsement by both institu-Canadian barley. India plans to set up fivereached a provisional politicaltions before becoming EU The Core Barley Breedingstate-of-the-art seed breed- agreement on the regulationlaw. SWAgreement ensures that farm- ing facilities nationwide toof New Genomic Techniques ers remain at the forefront ofboost advanced research and(NGTs), marking a major mile-driving research priorities. Bydevelop high-yielding, disease- stone for plant breeding and working with AAFCs world- resistant crop varieties, seniorthe wider seed sector.JANUARY 2026SEEDWORLD.COM /47'