Dear readers of Seed World Europe,
At Seed World Europe, our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people, ideas, and policies that help shape the plant breeding and seed sector across Europe. In a fast-evolving political and regulatory landscape, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the influence of European policymakers is instrumental to the growth, innovation, and resilience of our sector.
For this year’s edition of our annual “10 Most” feature, we turn our attention to those policymakers. Specifically, we present the 10 Most Influential EU Politicians for the Plant Breeding and Seed Sector — individuals whose voices, decisions, and leadership are having a direct and lasting impact on the future of plant breeding and seeds in Europe.
Unlike previous years, where we invited nominations from across the seed sector, for this year’s list we reached out to several EU politicians who are working in the field of agriculture, health and food safety. For our selection, we looked at the political landscape, considered parliamentary and committee activity, and evaluated the broader influence of individual politicians on legislation, regulation, and public discourse around agriculture, innovation, and sustainability. And invited them to share their perspectives in their own words — a short, personal reflection on the role of agriculture, and specifically the plant breeding and seed sector, in Europe’s future.
We are incredibly pleased with their responses. Their insights not only reflect the strategic importance of our sector, but also underscore their commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring food security, and supporting farmers across the EU.
Such a list could not be complete without two new EU Commissioners whose roles are directly influential in shaping agricultural policies and health and safety regulations. Their combined efforts will play a crucial role in determining the future landscape of the EU seed sector: Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture & Food and Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. Both are featured with a separate page.
The influence of these 10 politicians cannot be overstated. Some are shaping key agricultural policy at the EU level. Others are leading efforts to modernize legislation around new breeding technologies. Many are driving important conversations around sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience — all of which are intrinsically tied to the work being done by plant breeders and seed companies across Europe.
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. We are fully aware that many other policymakers across Europe are also playing crucial roles in supporting our sector. However, our selection aims to highlight a diverse group of leaders who have demonstrated sustained interest, engagement, and impact in areas most relevant to our readers.
We hope that this edition provides not only recognition to these politicians, but also a useful perspective for our readers — showing how politics and policy continue to shape our sector, and reminding us of the importance of active, constructive dialogue between policymakers and seed sector players.
As always, we welcome your feedback and reflections. We are proud to continue building bridges between the seed sector and the policymakers who help shape its environment. And above all, we remain committed to celebrating the people — wherever they may sit — who are helping to grow a strong, innovative, and sustainable seed sector in Europe.
Enjoy the read,
Marcel Bruins
Editorial Director, Seed World Europe
CHRISTOPHE HANSEN, EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
A New Era For EU Policy
Christophe Hansen has been appointed as the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, a role that places him at the centre of European agricultural policy at a time of significant challenges. As a member of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) and a seasoned politician with a background in diplomacy and legislative affairs, Hansen brings experience and a strategic approach to the sector. Read our feature article about Christophe Hansen here.
OLIVÉR VÁRHELYI, EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY
Balancing Scientific Progress With Regulatory Caution in the EU Seed Sector
Olivér Várhelyi has assumed the role of European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, placing him at the forefront of regulatory decisions impacting agriculture and the EU seed sector. With a background in law and European affairs, Várhelyi will oversee policies on food safety, plant health, and biotechnology—critical areas for the seed industry. Read our feature article about Olivér Várhelyi here.
CLAIRE BURY, DEPUTY-DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY (DG SANTE)
Ensuring the EU has a Thriving Agri-Food Sector
Over the past five years in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety we have been working to modernise the EU frameworks for the marketing of plant reproductive material (PRM) and plants obtained through certain new genomic techniques (NGTs). Geopolitical, climate, and environmental challenges require a prioritization of innovation, resilience, and sustainability in our agri-food chain and plant breeding plays an essential role in this.
The update of the PRM legislation and the NGT proposal, with the support of one of the world’s largest systems of plant variety protection, aims to provide an EU framework fit for the 21st century. Our work will equip our breeders, farmers and food businesses with the tools they need to ensure the EU has a thriving agri-food sector.
HERBERT DORFMANN, MEP GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS), MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
New Challenges for the New Terms
During the last mandate, we spoke a lot about the productivity and food security. These two related topics are crucial for the European agriculture also in connection with the new climatic challenges following the motto: ‘produce more with less’. During the last mandate we started the discussion on two important dossiers in order to provide more resistant and sustainable seeds and plants to our farmers. Both for the dossier on NGTs and for the dossier on the plant reproductive material, the Parliament voted a final position.
Regarding the first one, I hope that we can close this dossier during this presidency in order to provide a new regulation that can boost the innovation and the development of new verities. In addition, on the PRM dossier, as rapporteur, I worked a lot in order to have a position proposal before the end of the term and I will be very happy to close also this file. Ensuring qualitative and more performing seeds to our farmers is the key to improve the quantity, quality and sustainability of the agricultural production in Europe.
JACOB JENSEN, MINISTER OF FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES OF DENMARK AND MEMBER OF THE EU COUNCIL
Securing the Resilience and Productivity of our Agricultural Systems
I am committed to drive the agricultural sector towards a greener, more sustainable and modern future — ensuring it remains resilient, innovative, and attractive for future generations of farmers. Agriculture has to constantly evolve and adapt to new conditions. Therefore, it is essential to have skilled seed producers who can anticipate the needs of tomorrow. Their expertise is important for ensuring food security and sustainability.
At the EU level, we are working to establish regulations that ensure greater harmonization and fair market conditions for seed producers. I believe that clear and simple rules will help the agricultural sector adopt sustainable solutions without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Innovation is key to developing new pathways for the green transition in the sector. Therefore, the Danish government actively supports the adoption of the European Commission’s proposal for new regulations on the use of New Genomic Techniques in plant breeding.
This presents an opportunity to develop more adaptable and resource-efficient crops while maintaining high safety standards for people, animals, and nature. I believe that a strong and innovative seed sector is essential for securing the future of European agriculture while maintaining a competitive and sustainable agricultural sector.
ELSI KATAINEN, MEP RENEW EUROPE GROUP, MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Enabling Plant Breeding Technology Developers
It is crucial to ensure that the EU can develop crop varieties that are more resistant, for instance, to drought and new diseases, as climate change is altering growing conditions. Additionally, new varieties can help reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides, as they can utilize nutrients more efficiently and have greater disease resistance.
Plant breeding and seed production are essential for the competitiveness of EU agriculture and food security. However, the current plant breeding legislation in the EU has led to a shift in plant breeding technology development outside the EU. I welcome the new genomic techniques legislation, and I wish for the quick finalization of the negotiations. New regulation will enable plant breeding technology developers to operate more effectively within the EU.
Breeding techniques must take local conditions into account, as growing seasons vary significantly across different regions of Europe.
Plant species adapted to the local conditions will enhance Europe’s ability to produce resilient crop varieties and hereby strengthen the strategic autonomy and food security in the EU.
PETER LIESE, MEP GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS), MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND FOOD SAFETY AND MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH
Meeting Today’s Agricultural Challenges
New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) are revolutionizing agriculture and food security in Europe.
From my doctoral studies, I understand the intricacies of gene manipulation very well.
NGTs are particularly promising because they enhance traits like climate resilience and pest resistance without introducing any foreign genes — changes that could occur naturally but much more slowly.
With the new rules, we can ensure safety and consumer choice with transparent labelling and by allowing the organic sector to opt out. NGTs will be take an important role in agriculture, as they offer precise improvements, leveraging natural genetic variations without significant risks to human health or the environment.
It will be vital for our farmers to be able to use these advanced techniques to meet today’s agricultural challenges effectively.
NORBERT LINS, MEP GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS), CHAIR OF THE DELEGATION TO THE CARIFORUM-EU PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE , VICE-CHAIR OF THE AGRI COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBER OF THE CPDE CONFERENCE OF DELEGATION CHAIRS
Focussing on Innovation
The European seed sector is the foundation of our agriculture and plays a crucial role in the future of our food security.
As one of the most innovative areas in agriculture, it is key in developing new plant varieties that are more resistant to pests and better adapted to climate change.
Innovative breeding techniques are central to achieving our ambitious climate goals and sustainable agriculture without compromising plant health. It is important that we keep focussing on innovation.
As a Member of the European Parliament, I am committed to ensuring that the seed sector receives the necessary support to drive these important innovations forward, thus making a significant contribution to sustainable and future-proof European agriculture.
DARIO NARDELLA, MEP GROUP OF SOCIALISTS AND DEMOCRATS, S&D COORDINATOR OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
From Challenge to Opportunity: Reinventing the CAP
We are living in a constantly evolving and increasingly complex global landscape, marked by climate crises, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions that pose risks to the European agricultural sector.
The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must address these challenges with concrete actions that ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of our farms. A key priority is the preservation of direct payments, which play a vital role in safeguarding farmers’ incomes.
Equally important is the development of financial instruments — such as insurance schemes and mutual funds — to help the sector withstand unexpected climate-related and market shocks. Looking ahead, the next CAP must actively promote the adoption of innovative technologies, ensuring that small-scale farmers have access to advanced solutions.
This will not only enhance the competitiveness of European agriculture but also strengthen its resilience for future generations.
By taking these steps, we can transform today’s challenges into opportunities and reinforce Europe’s position as a global leader in sustainable and technologically advanced agriculture.
JESSICA POLFJÄRD, GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS), MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND FOOD SAFETY AND MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH
Advancing NGTs
I have always been committed to ensuring that Sweden and Europe remain pioneers in research and innovation, with the agricultural sector being no exception.
This is why I undertook the mission of advancing New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) for European farmers in the European Parliament
NGTs in agriculture is crucial for the future of farming. With it, we can make our crops more resilient to climate change, reduce the need for plant protection products and fertilizers, and enhance the competitiveness of European farmers — all while lowering emissions.
At the same time strengthen European food security and self-sufficiency.
I hope the Council will take its position swiftly, so that our farmers can benefit from this technology and ensure that Europe remains a leader in innovation.
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