According to a USDA press release, “The first line was developed by Syngenta Seeds Inc. for both insect-resistance and glufosinate-ammonium resistance. APHIS is extending deregulation to this line based on its similarity to a previously deregulated corn line. The second line was developed by the Monsanto Company for resistance to the herbicides dicamba and glufosinate.”
In the National Environmental Policy Act decision of the Monsanto product (PDF, 221KB), APHIS Deputy Administrator Michael J. Firko said, “As APHIS has not identified any plant pest risks associated with MON 87419 corn, the continued regulated status of MON 87419 corn would be inconsistent with the plant pest provisions of the PPA, the regulations codified at 7 CFR part 340 and the biotechnology regulatory policies in the Coordinated Framework. For the reasons stated above, I have determined that a determination of nonregulated status of MON 87419 corn will not have any significant environmental impacts.”
The ruling means these corn varieties can now be planted without permits or any additional regulatory oversight from the agency.
Both deregulations follow procedural plant pest risk assessments and impact statements, as well as public review and comment periods. FG
