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

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As in many other parts of the world, genetically modified (GM) technologies have long faced controversy and skepticism in China. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:00am, 9 Dec 2021Updated: 5:29am, 9 Dec 2021

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

China Merchants Securities analysts

But this year, faced with domestic grain supply problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic as well as the agricultural sector being front and centre of the trade war with the United States, China’s attitude towards domestic GM cultivation has eased and Beijing has doubled down on breakthroughs in biotech breeding.

“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,” said China Merchants Securities analysts Xiong Chenghui and Li Qiuyan on Monday after the draft was released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The draft criteria are open for public opinion until Sunday, the same day when a major regulatory overhaul for the seed industry concerning GM crops announced last month will also finish its public consultation.