New Genomic Techniques for Crop improvement 2027 (NGTs for CROPS)

New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) for Crop improvement: the science, technology and social EU perspective

International Congress on the science, technology and social aspects of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) for crop improvement

We live at a time of major opportunities and challenges for global agriculture: while New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), especially CRISPR and cisgenesis, now enable highly precise crop improvement, climate change, emerging diseases, and global market instability continue to threaten food security. This congress brings together leading experts in genome editing, trait biology, and AI-driven trait discovery to discuss advances in developing high-yielding, better-quality, more resilient, and disease-resistant crops. The latest developments in editing tools for diverse and recalcitrant crops, including trees and vegetatively propagated species, will be presented.

NGTs for Crops 2027 provides a forum for researchers, technology developers, breeders, policymakers, regulators, and industry partners to share the latest results and address the scientific, technical, social, and regulatory dimensions of NGTs. Topic-specific sessions and roundtable discussions will offer up-to-date science and perspectives on evolving global and EU regulatory frameworks and their implications for research, innovation, and food systems.

The timing of the congress is particularly significant. Held on 25–28 January 2027, just months after the adoption of the new European Union legislative framework for plants developed using New Genomic Techniques, the meeting will provide one of the first major international opportunities to discuss the practical implications of the new regulation. It will serve as a unique platform for dialogue among scientists, breeders, industry representatives, policymakers, and regulators on how the new framework can accelerate innovation, facilitate the delivery of improved crop varieties to farmers, strengthen the competitiveness of European agriculture, and contribute to more sustainable and resilient food systems.

The NGTs for Crops Congress will take place at the Palacio de Congresos de Valencia, Spain, from January 25 to January 28, 2027

Antonio Granell and Dirk Inzé