China's corn seed producers may double GMO planting

By Dominique Patton BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese corn seed producers are preparing to plant more than double the amount of the genetically modified grain next year, three industry sources said. GM corn will be allowed on about 10 million mu, or about 670,000 hectares, in eight provinces next year, including the northeastern province of Liaoning for the first time, said one of the sources, who was briefed on a proposal discussed in a meeting held by the Ministry of Agriculture last month. The source declined to be identified because the plan is not public and could still change. The other two sources, who are familiar with the situation, also said that GMO seed developers and breeders are preparing to plant about 10 million mu. "Everyone is waiting for certificates so they can sell," said one of the sources, adding that the documents could be issued within a month. Beijing has allowed the planting of about 4 million mu, or 270,000 hectares, of GM corn this year in what it describes ...