The Ministry of Agriculture responded on [Sept. 5], regarding a case of genetically modified (GM) corn planted in northwest China’s Xiangjiang, stating that the seeds had been smuggled from abroad.
It stated that the company which introduced the GM corn did this to seek profit.
The local seed control authority in Xinjiang, uprooted over 2000 acres of GM corn in May, imposing a fine of 10,000 yuan (around US$1,500) on the growers.
The genetically modified crops have greater immunity to pests and diseases, tempting farmers from some regions of the country, to risk growing such crops.
Genetically modified corn has not been allowed for commercial production here in China, and growing it violates regulations.
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Huang Dafang, researcher at The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences… points out that the ban on growing such crops is not due to the safety concerns, but because the procedures are yet to be perfected.
Despite the strict ban on growing, China is a major importer of GM farm produce. GM soybeans, corn, cotton, sugar-beets and rape can be imported for processing.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Ministry of Agriculture responds on GM corns in Xinjiang
