China approves two GM crops for import
According to Reuters, China has approved two genetically modified (GM) crops for import for a three-year period: Syngenta’s 5307 insect-resistant corn sold under the Agrisure Duracade brand and Monsanto’s 87427 glyphosate-resistant corn sold under the Roundup Ready brand.
According to Reuters, China has approved two genetically modified (GM) crops for import for a three-year period: Syngenta’s 5307 insect-resistant corn sold under the Agrisure Duracade brand and Monsanto’s 87427 glyphosate-resistant corn sold under the Roundup Ready brand. Two other GM products—Dow Chemical’s Enlist corn and Monsanto’s Vistive Gold soybeans—were approved for import in June.
The approvals come after China promised to speed up a review of pending import applications as part of the 100-day trade talks with the United States. China doesn’t permit planting of GM food crops, but does allow GM imports such as soybeans and corn for use in its animal feed industry. The country is the top export market for U.S. agricultural products.
There are four GM products that remain on the waiting list pending approval. The products include DuPont’s Pioneer insect-resistant corn, Dow’s Enlist soybeans, and two alfalfa products developed by Monsanto. Beijing has in the past held back approvals of imported GM products amid concerns about anti-GM sentiment in the country.