Yesterday (Tuesday Jan. 8, 2019), during the U.S. trade talks, China announced that it would be approving 5 genetically modified traits for import, which would be the first move in 18 months to decrease pressure from the U.S. on farm goods.
The traits are:
- TruFlex canola with Round Up Ready technology (MON 88302) owned by Bayer
- Qrome corn (DP4114) owned by DowDuPont
- Enlist E3 (DAS-44406-6) owned by Corteva Agriscience
- RF3 canola owned by BASF
- MGI soybeans developed by Syngenta and Bayer
“These Chinese approvals are important steps in the regulatory process for soybeans, corn and canola. Once the final approvals are secured, the traits represent choice for the American farmer and opportunities for independent seed companies to expand their offerings,” says Todd Martin, CEO of the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA). “As an example, the approval of Enlist in soybeans will bring another valuable tool to the fight for weed resistance. Hopefully the approvals also signal an easing of U.S. and China trade issues so that farmers can continue to grow U.S. soybean exports to China and the world.”
“After five years of waiting to introduce this product to Canadian and U.S. farmers we are thrilled to move forward with commercialization in 2019,” says Jon Riley, trait launch lead with Bayer, in a statement released earlier today. “Farmers want, and need, new technology to help drive yield on their farms and they are looking forward to planting TruFlex canola this coming season.”
