Corn and Soybean GMO Crops set to pass Biosafety Test: 02-06-2020

A total of 192 genetically modified plants species, including two corn and one soybean species are expected to pass the biosafety evaluation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This evaluation will open the way for commercial usage of GMO plants in China.  The ministry released a list of genetically modified organisms on Monday to solicit public opinion until January 20 and is expecting to reward bio certificate to the plants on which no objection is raised during the period.


The GMO soybean species, which is resistant to the weed killer, was developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and is declared suitable to grow in South China. The two GMO corn species features qualities such as being resistant to weed killer and insects. Back in 2009, the ministry awarded bio certificates to a genetically modified corn species and two GMO rice species, but none of them has been approved for commercial production.


However, apart from grain two species of GMO cotton has been grown on more than 31 million hectors across China, which has helped in reducing the usage of pesticide by more than 70%. According to the Ministry,” after passing safety evaluation, GMO researchers and developers must compete some other procedures before the GMO species can be put into commercial usage and be available in the market, including gaining different permits for the production of the seeds and production of the species”.


According to academic opinion, GMO products are usually safe, but safety evaluation standards mainly depend upon the countries. GMO crops such as soybean have already been grown extensively in countries like the USA and Brazil. The GMO technology helps to improve the quality of the crop, such as making them more productive and resistant to insects and therefore also protect the environment through reduced usage of pesticides and fertilizers.


Of all agriculture species, only GMO corn and papaya have been approved for commercial planting in China, while other GMO crops such as soybean and some types of corn are allowed to be exported to China for food processing and feed purposes.


Check our Corn products newsletter or contact emarket1@cnchemical.com to get more information. 


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