Brussels, Belgium
February 14, 2025

Euroseeds strongly condemns the recent act of vandalism at the University of Verona’s experimental vineyard in San Floriano Valpolicella, where five grapevines, developed with new genomic techniques (NGTs) were deliberately destroyed. This attack is not just an assault on scientific research – it is a direct attempt to hinder innovation in agriculture at a time when farmers need better tools to address climate and disease challenges.

Garlich von Essen, Secretary General of Euroseeds, stated:
“This is an unacceptable attack on agricultural progress and the dedicated researchers working to secure a more resilient future for European farming. We stand firmly with the scientific community and all those striving to bring innovative, sustainable solutions to farmers. Science-based innovation must not be held back by fear or ideology.”

Assosementi, the Italian seed association and a Euroseeds member, also strongly condemned the attack, highlighting the critical role of TEA (Tecniche di Evoluzione Assistita) in supporting sustainable viticulture.

Eugenio Tassinari, President of Assosementi, commented:
“This is clearly an act of vandalism that targets the decades-long work of researchers and the entire Italian agri-food sector, which has just reaffirmed the urgent need to access innovation through our TEA Manifesto. The San Floriano incident underscores the importance of raising public awareness about the role of research in agriculture. Spreading accurate, science-based information is essential to counter disinformation and unfounded fears that too often hinder progress.”

Euroseeds and its members stand with researchers and farmers, calling for a science-based approach to agricultural innovation and the protection of research efforts that are essential for a sustainable and competitive farming sector.

Read the full statement of Assosementi: LINK.

Read our statement

Website: http://www.euroseeds.org

Published: February 14, 2025