Reuters – China has approved the import of eight genetically modified crops, including GMO alfalfa for the first time.
Global seed companies have long complained about China’s slow approval process for GM crops, which slows commercialization of the products globally if they are not approved by one of the world’s biggest agriculture markets.
Beijing has long taken a cautious approach to GMO technology and has not yet approved any major crops for cultivation, despite President Xi Jinping’s backing. It does allow the import of GM crops used in animal feed or for textiles, but trade partners say its process is often driven by politics rather than science.
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Bayer’s glyphosate-resistant alfalfa or J101 was first submitted for approval in July 2011, when it was owned by U.S. company Monsanto. Its J163 alfalfa, also approved, was submitted more than 10 years ago.
Beijing promised to speed up access to its market under the Phase 1 trade deal concluded with the United States in 2020.
China has also approved a Corteva Agriscience glyphosate-resistant canola, DP73496, first developed by DuPont Pioneer and submitted for approval in July 2012.
Neither Bayer nor Corteva immediately responded to a request for comment.
