November 28, 2013
Monsanto to develop new varieties of corn in 22 US states
In order to develop new varieties of plants with a better combination of traits, including built-in pest resistance, Monsanto Co., which has several locations in Hawaii, has recently applied for a federal permit.
Under this permit, Monsanto said that it is able to grow seed corn as part of its on-going efforts around controlling corn rootworm to combine characteristics of existing plants that could lead to new commercial hybrids of pest-resistant corn.
"While we are unable to provide information about specific field sites, the permit gives us an opportunity to move forward with this research effort in Puerto Rico and 22 states including Hawaii," said Alan Takemoto, spokesman for Monsanto Hawaii. "There will not be any direct impact to our neighbours or the public as a result of this permit."
He also pointed out that this permit does not involve spraying or mechanically applying any experimental or research pesticide as experimental permits are often associated with new uses of chemical pesticides.
The Environmental Protection Agency is one of three federal agencies that regulate biotech crops in the US, which includes oversight in such crops that contain traits to resist certain kinds of pests that can cause extensive damage to agricultural crops.
Some biotech companies in Hawaii and on the Mainland have come under fire for, among other things, disclosing the use of pesticides. Just last week, Monsanto signed an agreement with Maui County to make sure it safely uses restricted-use pesticides.
This agreement comes on the heels of laws passed on Kauai and the Big Island regarding such disclosures, as well as being transparent about the use of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.