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Relevant authorities in the Netherlands

The Netherlands aims to have a system of self regulation by all parties involved. Legal authorities are establishing a regulatory framework conducive to self regulation.

Regulatory bodies

Three authorities are involved in the regulation of genetically modified plants and derived products and in establishing a system for co-existence.

  • The Main Board of Arable Crops, has set up regulations for co-existence based on the Coexistence Agreement.
  • The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) is home to the Dutch food authority. Generally speaking, the Ministry is in favour of genetically modified plants and co-existence, considering the technology important for solving societal, social, and ecological problems.
  • The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning, and the Environment (VROM) is responsible for ensuring that genetically modified plants do not negatively impact the environment. The Ministry includes the information and investigation services for surveillance purposes and the Bureau GGO, which handles all authorisations of GMOs.

Advisory panels

The Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) is responsible for advising the government on questions pertaining to genetically modified organisms. It addresses the potential risks of genetic modifications to human health and the environment. COGEM also addresses and social issues linked to genetic modification.


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