On Monday, 18 May, a major vote regarding New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) will move through the European Parliament and Council of Ministers. If approved, the legislation would significantly loosen current regulations surrounding genetically modified crops and food systems within the European Union. Critics of the proposal argue that it weakens transparency requirements, reduces labelling protections, and limits consumers’ ability to know how their food was produced and whether genetic modification techniques were involved. 

As an American who packed up an entire life and moved my family across the world in pursuit of cleaner food standards and stronger agricultural protections for my children, I am shocked by how quietly this issue has moved forward. Many people still have no idea these changes are happening at all. 

Europe has long been admired around the world for maintaining stricter food safety standards, tighter environmental protections, and stronger regulations surrounding genetically modified agriculture. It is one of the reasons so many families, including my own, trusted Europe to place public health and long-term wellbeing ahead of the interests of massive chemical and biotechnology corporations. 

Malta itself once stood proudly at the forefront of this movement, becoming one of the strongest anti-GMO voices within the European Union. Yet during the December negotiations surrounding this legislation, Malta’s representatives voted in favour of moving the proposal forward. 

That should concern all of us. 

Because once genetically modified crops are introduced into agricultural systems on a large scale, there is no easy reversal. Soil systems change. Cross-contamination occurs. Supply chains shift. And consumers lose the ability to make fully informed choices about what they are feeding themselves and their children. 

What concerns me most is how little public discussion there has been surrounding this issue. Even many local farmers here in Malta were unaware of the details of the legislation and what it could mean long term for European agriculture. 

At a time when the world feels overwhelmed by crisis after crisis, we risk overlooking something deeply fundamental: the future quality, transparency, and safety of our food systems. 

This is not simply about politics. It is about health. It is about trust. It is about informed choice. 

Please pay attention to this vote. Read the legislation for yourself. Contact your representatives. Sign petitions if you feel called to do so, not only within Malta, but across Europe. 

Europe has long been a global leader in food quality and consumer protections. Many of us are asking that it remain that way. 

Vote NO.