DuPont and Monsanto have urged China to adopt a “science-based” regulatory process for GMOs after the country approved two new seeds, but left several others in the lurch.
According to a report in Reuters, China recently announced that two GMO seeds — Syngenta’s 5307 corn sold under the Agrisure Duracade brand and a Roundup Ready corn from Monsanto — have been approved for sale in the country. Four other products from Dow, DuPont and Monsanto, however, are still waiting to get the green light.
China is America’s biggest export market for agricultural products. Although GMO seeds are banned in China for human consumption, they are used on crops grown for animal feed.
Under a recent trade deal, China promised to speed up its approval process for GMOs, which often takes around six years. This lag in approval can hamper global sales of the seeds.
Both DuPont and Monsanto said they were “disappointed” that all of the seeds were not approved. In an emailed statement, a Monsanto spokesperson urged China to eschew political influences and rely on the science behind GMOs.
“This is inconsistent with numerous scientific conclusions around the world on these same products, as well as with the spirit of the U.S.-China 100-day plan,” the company stated.
Monsanto also said that there needs to be a “predictable, science-based and transparent” approval process in China.
DuPont is still waiting for approval for an insect-resistant corn seed sold under the Pioneer brand. An Enlist soybean by Dow and two alfalfa seeds by Monsanto are also still waiting for the go-ahead.
