China approves GM alfalfa import for first time in decade

• China allows the import of eight genetically modified crops.
• China permits the import of GM crops used as animal feed.
• China approves three genetically modified crops.

According to the country’s agriculture ministry, China has allowed the import of eight genetically modified (GM) crops, allowing exports of GM alfalfa for the first time in ten years.

The U.S. government and international seed companies hailed the move after Beijing’s cumbersome certification procedure hampered grain exports and crop launches that need clearance from China because it is one of the largest agricultural markets in the world.

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the world’s largest trade organisation for biotech businesses like Bayer AG( BAYGn.DE), said the permits are “a positive step towards resolving the longstanding challenges biotechnology developers face in obtaining import approvals in China.”

Despite President Xi Jinping’s support for the technology, Beijing takes a cautious approach to GM technology and has not given the go-ahead for the growing of any significant food crops. China permits the import of GM crops used as animal feed, but trading partners claim that the decision-making process is frequently influenced by politics and not always by science.

Two glyphosate-resistant varieties of alfalfa that were initially proposed for approval more than ten years ago were among those that were accepted. According to Glenda Gehl, vice president and general manager of Forage Genetics International, the crops were co-developed by the company and Monsanto, which is now owned by Bayer, and are currently the property of Land O’Lakes.

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Although Beijing’s permits open the door for greater plantings in Western states that supply export markets, alfalfa is already grown by American farmers, she said.

“This is a huge opportunity for alfalfa growers across the U.S.,” Gehl said.

According to Alexis Taylor, an undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, access to biotechnology is crucial in light of the increased worries about global food security and rising commodity prices.

A glyphosate-resistant canola variety developed by Corteva Inc. (CTVA.N) and authorized by China is DP73496, which was initially created by DuPont Pioneer and submitted for approval in July 2012.

According to spokeswoman Kris Allen, Corteva intends to introduce its Optimum GLY canola hybrids in North America and Australia while continuing to seek import authorizations for other products.

In accordance with the Phase 1 trade agreement signed with the United States in 2020, Beijing pledged to expedite access to its market. The approvals follow the first meeting between Chinese President Xi and American President Joe Biden in November, which was held in an effort to mend hostile relations.

According to John Baize, president of the American consultancy John C. Baize & Associates, China may decide to farm more genetically modified crops domestically as a result of the approvals.

“They can say to the U.S.: ‘See, you wanted us to speed up our approval. We did,'” Baize said.

Along with a cotton variety that is herbicide-resistant thanks to BASF SE (BASFn.DE), China also approved two GM sugar cane features created in Brazil.

On January 5th, the crops could be imported for processing in China for the ensuing five years.

Insect- and glyphosate-resistant corn from Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Ltd (000998.SZ) and insect-resistant soybean from Hangzhou Ruifeng have also received China’s approval for their safety.

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