France, Dec. 4 -- New genomic techniques (NGT) add, remove or tweak small sections of DNA using precise gene editing tools. Plants made this way differ from traditional genetically modified organisms, which involve inserting genetic material from one species into another to create a hybrid.

The long-running debate over NGTs has frequently been a heated one.

Supporters argue that NGTs represent a targeted approach that can bring about changes that might otherwise have occurred naturally or through selective breeding, only much faster.

Agriculture unions have been among the most enthusiastic backers of the technology, seeing it as a practical way to produce crops that can better withstand climate shocks and require fewer inputs such as f...