APHIS takes action on several biotech varieties

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2013- USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today published two biotechnology regulatory actions for a Monsanto soybean variety and a BASF herbicide-resistant soybean. 

Today’s actions are published in the November 7, 2013 Federal Register (FR) and an additional action is scheduled to publish on Friday, November 8.

First, APHIS published a notice of determination of nonregulated status for a soybean variety developed by Monsanto Co., genetically engineered for increased yield.

APHIS also published for public comment a draft environmental assessment (EA) and draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) that the Agency prepared in response to a petition from BASF Plant Science, LP, to deregulate its herbicide resistant soybean.

On Friday, November 8, 2013, APHIS will publish the availability for public comment of a draft EA and draft PPRA for apples genetically engineered to resist browning, developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc.

Upon publication in the FR, these documents will be available for a 30 day public review and comment period. Comments received on or before December 10, 2013, will be considered.

A copy of the FR notices and associated documents for all three actions can be found on the News and Information page of the BRS website at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/news.shtml

#30

For more news, go to www.agri-pulse.com