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.