December 12, 2023
China approves 51 GM corn and soybean varieties for commercial production
Chinese authorities have granted approval for the commercial production of 51 genetically modified (GM) corn and soybean varieties, following a three-year trial period during which these crops were planted in selected regions across the country, China Daily reported.
Notably, this marks the first instance of the Chinese government approving GM technologies for staple food crops, expanding beyond the previous restrictions limited to cotton and papaya.
The announcement of this significant approval was made through a circular on China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs website. Among the approved crops are 37 GM corn varieties and 14 GM soybean varieties, specifically designed for enhanced herbicide or insect resistance, ultimately leading to higher yields.
These genetic modifications are seen as crucial factors in securing the food supply chain and reducing labour input, especially as the farming population transitions to urban settings. The shift toward GM technologies aims to address challenges in agriculture, particularly with an aging rural population.
One notable example is a GM corn variety developed by Beijing Lantron Seed Co, which exhibits strong resistance against the destructive Asian corn borer, a prevalent pest in China and the Philippines. This variety has also demonstrated resilience to herbicides, surviving four times the acceptable amount for conventional corn varieties. Trial plantings in 2021 showcased a yield exceeding 13 metric tons per hectare, marking a 7.5 percent increase compared to non-GM varieties.
Another approved GM soybean variety, developed by Dabeinong Group, matures three days earlier than conventional counterparts and exhibits robust resistance to two major types of herbicides used by soybean farmers. Trials conducted in 2020 indicated a yield increase of more than 6 percent, surpassing 2.6 tons per hectare.
These approvals align with China's broader initiative to commercialise the production of domestically developed GM corn and soybeans. The move is a response to increasing protectionism concerns, coupled with considerations for food security in the face of climate change, the ongoing pandemic, and regional conflicts.
Prior to formal approval, the GM candidates underwent extensive testing in various environments across 20 counties in Hebei, Jilin, Sichuan, Yunnan provinces, and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.
- China Daily