Genetically modified corn and soybean involved in a pilot program have obtained safety certificates for production and application after an assessment of food and environmental safety that lasted nearly 10 years.
“The application of traits that resist pests and tolerate herbicides and drought has improved the competitiveness of genetically modified crops, such as corn and soybean, in production cost, price and quality,” Qian Qian, director of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences’ Institute of Crop Sciences, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency.
Liu Biao, a researcher [in Nanjing], said the GM corn and soybean in the pilot program had no negative effects on beneficial insects and soil quality.
“The decreased use of pesticides on GM corn boosts ecological and environmental safety,” Liu said, adding that using the same herbicide on GM soybean and corn can help intercropping and rotation of the two crops.
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Cao Xiaofeng, another academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the competition for genetic resources is becoming increasingly fierce.
“Countries and multinational companies are ramping up efforts to carry out research and development of gene function and genetic diversity while utilizing the crops,” Cao said.
“New biological breeding technologies keep developing.”
