China has proposed an overhaul of regulations governing GM crops, in a move that is likely to strengthen the nation’s seed industry amid heightened food security concerns.
The agriculture ministry issued two draft documents in November detailing planned changes such as easing trial requirements for authorised GM crops, revising safety evaluations for genetically modified organisms used in agriculture, encouraging companies and institutions to build their own research bases, and relaxing geographic restrictions on test areas.
Beijing’s endeavours to improve the resilience of grain supply is in direct response to changes in global trade. But there is still work to do, according to analysts.
The total estimated area planted with soybeans is growing, however. Some 9.35 million hectares were planted with soybeans in 2019, up from 6.8 million hectares in 2014, according to China Agricultural Information Net, an affiliate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
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But China’s seed industry is facing a new round of reshuffling and industrial concentration.
“The commercialisation of genetically modified seed production for corn and soybeans is now gradually unfolding,” the CICC analysts said.
