China has given seed manufacturers a clear path to obtaining approval for genetically modified crops as part of the proposed rule changes that will lead to the commercial cultivation of GM maize.
The Ministry of Agriculture published details of the planned regulatory revision for the seed industry on Friday in a draft document that can be publicly commented on until December 12th.
The proposed changes indicate that a handful of recently approved GM traits developed by Chinese companies could be ready to market in a year.
"This is a big step," said Liu Shi, vice president of Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co, which has several genetically engineered properties recognized as safe and is expected to be one of the first companies to commercialize genetically modified corn in China.
China's leadership last year called for an urgent "turnaround" in the seed industry, which is grappling with overcapacity and rampant intellectual property violations.
The changes implement resolutions of the cabinet and the powerful Central Committee of the ruling Communist Party on the safe handling of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and the development of a modern seed industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said in its statement.
Top politicians have also called for advances in biotech breeding or genetically modified crops, which are seen as keys to ensuring food security.
Beijing has invested heavily in the research and development of genetically modified crops for years, but has remained cautious and has banned the cultivation of genetically modified soybeans or corn even though imports have been approved for use in animal feed.
Once approved, China could grow 33 million hectares of genetically modified corn, Hua'an Securities estimated in a release yesterday. This could generate an income of up to 5 billion yuan. At the same time, strong market leaders would emerge.
The proposed changes would bring China's rules more in line with those of other markets.
If a GM trait, also known as an “event”, has already been recognized as safe by the Ministry of Agriculture, it can, for example, be integrated into an already approved maize hybrid and only requires a one-year production trial to be approved.
Previously, it was thought that China could require the product to go through all of the security tests from scratch.
"It clarifies the procedures for approving GMO varieties and simplifies the process," said Han Gengchen, chairman of Origin Agritech, the first Chinese company to develop GM corn plants.
"It will accelerate the commercial production of GMO corn."
Source
Hansa Terminhandel GmbH