DuPont, Monsanto Urge Transparent GMO Crop Reviews in China

Posted by Matt Hopkins|19 July 2017

Global seeds giants have called for transparent, science-based approvals processes for new crop types after China approved two more genetically modified (GMO) crops for import, but left four others on the waiting list, according to an article on Reuters.com.

China on Monday approved 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, for a period of three years. The move was the second in the past month to expand access to biotech seeds as part of Beijing´s 100-day trade talks with Washington, and took total approvals to four after Dow Chemical Co´s Enlist corn and Monsanto´s Vistive Gold soybeans were given the go-ahead last month.

But it leaves four other products owned by Monsanto, DuPont and Dow on a waiting list pending approval. DuPont was “disappointed” its Pioneer insect-resistant corn was not included, a spokeswoman said in an email.

The other three crops are Dow´s Enlist soybeans and two alfalfa products developed by Monsanto. Monsanto also found it “disappointing” that not all six products in the late stage of review received approvals, the company´s spokeswoman Christi Dixon said in an statement emailed to Reuters.

Read the full story on Reuters.com.