China expands permits for growing genetically modified soybeans and corn to reduce dependence on imports

China has increased the number of permits for high-yielding genetically modified (GM) corn hybrids and soybean varieties to boost domestic production and reduce grain imports. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of China has issued safety certificates for 17 varieties of agricultural crops, including 5 new GM varieties of soybeans, wheat, corn, and rice. China mainly imports GM corn and soybeans for animal feed, while unmodified varieties are used for food consumption. Currently, China is buying American soybeans due to anticipated supply restrictions and forecasted decrease in Brazilian soybean prices.

Over the past year, China has increased the number of permits for the use of high-yielding genetically modified corn hybrids and soybean varieties in order to increase domestic production and reduce grain imports. This was reported by UkrAgroConsult. Currently, 5 new varieties of genetically modified crops have been approved in China: two varieties of soybeans and one each of wheat, corn and rice. As well as 12 varieties/hybrids of genetically modified soybeans, corn and cotton. In total, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the country has issued safety certificates for 17 varieties of agricultural crops. It is noted that in terms of GM plants, China mainly imports corn and soybeans, which are used for animal feed, while unmodified varieties are used for food consumption. Recall that China is currently actively buying American soybeans in anticipation of supply restrictions after Trump came to power and due to forecasts of a decrease in prices for Brazilian ...