USDA approves engineered corn for increased ear biomass
December 9, 2015
BY Erin Krueger
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has announced a genetically engineered corn developed by Monsanto for increased ear biomass is no longer considered a regulated article under APHIS regulations governing the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms. A notice published in the Federal Register also announces the availability of APHIS’s written determination and finding of no significant impact.
A public comment period on the matter was opened last spring. APHIS sought public comment on a draft environmental assessment (EA) and a preliminary plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) this summer.
The announcement applies to event MON 87403. According to documents published by APHIS, the corn has increased ear biomass at an early reproductive phase compared to conventional control maize.
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Additional information is available in a notice published on the Federal Register website.
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