Biotech Updates

APHIS Seeks Comment on Alpha Amylase Corn Deregulation

June 11, 2009

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking additional public comment on a petition by Syngenta Seeds Inc. to deregulate its alpha-amylase-producing GM corn. Alpha amylase is an enzyme that helps breakdown large corn starch molecules, facilitating ethanol production. APHIS has regulated the corn through its notification and permitting process since 2002.

If APHIS grants the petition for the deregulation, the GM corn and its progeny can be planted freely without requiring permits. An Environmental Assessment draft has been prepared by the agency to determine whether deregulating the GM corn would have a significant impact on the environment.

Read http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2009/06/corncom.shtml for more information. Interested parties can submit comments on the petition at http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0016