The performance-testing of GM maize will start in October in Kitale.
This comes after the National Biosafety Authority early this year approved an application by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation that requested the release of insect-resistant maize.
NBA chief executive Willy Tonui said the test to be conducted by the Kenya Plant and Health Inspectorate Service will cover two seasons to determine efficacy and performance.
“If it performs better than the available varieties, it will be commercialised or released to farmers by 2018,” he said.
Tonui added that the authority is finalising the application for the release of GM cotton that was submitted late last year.
He said organic farming advocates opposed to GMOs will get an opportunity to present their concerns [in mid-August] during the 5th Annual Biosafety Conference.
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