Biotech Updates

China Approves Import of GM Crops from the U.S.

June 21, 2017

China, the world's largest importer of soybean, has approved importation of new varieties of GM crops from the U.S.

The demand for more soybeans increased in China over the past decade because of the rise in meat consumption in the country. Thus, more supply of soybean is needed to be used as animal feed.

Chinese officials will strive to speed up the assessment of the new varieties of GM crops from the U.S. which is part of a "100-day plan" to open up trade. Last year, China approved only one variety of GM crop for import. The agriculture ministry also renewed the approvals for import of 14 other GM crops including corn, sugar beet, and rapeseed, which will be valid for three years.

Read the original news from FT.com and Scoop.