China food security: GM soybean, corn commercial planting a step closer after ‘rapid introduction’ of draft
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs draft criteria defines the thresholds of authenticity and effectiveness for genetically modified (GM) varieties
- China’s reliance on foreign soybeans was viewed as a structural weak link during the Trump-era trade war
Commercial planting of genetically modified (GM) soybeans and corn in China moved a step closer this week following the “rapid introduction” of draft criteria amid Beijing’s increasing concerns over grain security and self-sufficiency.
The proposed regulations define the thresholds of “authenticity” and “effectiveness” that the GM varieties should meet when applying for examination and approval, as well as the technical standards for breeds that are further modified from already approved GM varieties.
“The safety management of biological breeding is bearing on the national food security and the self-reliance of agricultural science and technology,” vice-minister of agriculture Zhang Taolin said in comments released on Tuesday.
Like in many other parts of the world, GM technologies have long been faced with controversy and scepticism in China.
The rapid introduction of detailed approval rules for GM soybean and corn may mean the agricultural ministry has a positive attitude on pushing the commercialisation of GM corn