Will GM seed planting help China reduce its dependence on feed imports?
Maize (Corn)
China
Published Jan 19, 2022
Tridge summary
The next few years are likely to see planting of genetically modified (GM) corn seeds in China, according to a Rabobank report. The Chinese government is emphasizing the important role of seed breeding technology in achieving food security, with the ultimate goal of being self-reliant in both seed technologies and germplasm sources, said the analysts.
Original content
Only Bt cotton and virus-resistant papaya are currently permitted for domestic planting in China, although large quantities of GM corn, soybeans and rapeseed are imported for feed use. Since December 2020, the Chinese government has been accelerating regulation in the area of biotech breeding - in November 2021, Beijing proposed an overhaul of regulatory seed rules to pave the way for approval of GMO crops - and a large amount of government research funding has been flowing into the field. Last month, Reuters reported that China was planning to approve three new GM corn varieties produced by domestic companies, citing a notice by the country's ministry of agriculture and rural affairs. China is the largest producing country of non-GM soybeans, most of which are used to produce tofu and other soy-based food closely connected to Chinese cuisine. As long as the use of GM corn is restricted to animal feed, domestic planting of GM corn would face fewer barriers than GM soybeans in ...
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