Dow AgroSciences’ decision to severely restrict U.S. introduction of its Enlist genetically modified crops and herbicide – billed as the company’s most important product launch ever – came after extensive talks with U.S. grain leaders who fear roiling trade with China, a company executive said last Thursday.
Over the last year, China has shown reluctance to approve new GMO grain for import and has rejected more than 1 million tonnes of U.S. corn containing traces of unapproved GMO traits.
Dow AgroSciences’ application for Chinese approval of its Enlist genetically modified corn has languished for about two years. Its Enlist soybeans are also awaiting approval. Both are genetically engineered to withstand treatments of Dow’s new Enlist Duo herbicide.
Joe Vertin, Dow AgroSciences’ global leader for Enlist, said after the company received U.S. regulatory approvals this fall it held talks with national corn and soybean grower groups, grain trading groups and others on how to proceed.
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The “unique” strategy unveiled on Wednesday, allows only for seed production of its new Enlist soybeans. Farmers who grow Enlist corn seed will be required to feed the harvested grain to their livestock and agree to have the process audited. Farmers will be invoiced for Enlist corn seed only after China import approval is granted.
Read the full, original article: Limited GMO crop launch is ‘unique’ reaction to China -Dow official
