Comments Requested on GM Corn for Ethanol
Posted: June 23, 2009
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking comments until July 6 on a proposed petition to deregulate genetically modified (GM) corn that improves ethanol production.
The petition for deregulation, submitted by Syngenta Seeds Inc., is in accordance with APHIS’ regulations concerning the introduction of genetically-engineered organisms and products and is available for the public’s review and comment. As part of the decisionmaking process, APHIS also has prepared a draft environmental assessment and plant pest risk assessment for review and comment.
APHIS will make a determination of nonregulated status if it can conclude that the organism does not pose a plant pest risk. If APHIS grants the Syngenta Seeds petition for deregulation, the genetically-engineered corn and its progeny would no longer be regulated articles. The product could then be freely moved and planted without the requirement of permits or other regulatory oversight by APHIS.
Go to regulations.gov for information on how to submit comments.