USDA APHIS Deregulates GE Insect Resistant Cotton

The U.S Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced the deregulation of the cotton variety MON 88702 which exhibits resistance to certain insects, primarily tarnished plant bugs (Lygus species).

The Notice in the Federal Register states that APHIS is advising the public that the genetically engineered cotton event MON 88702 is no longer considered regulated under their regulations governing the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms. This determination is based on their evaluation of information that Monsanto submitted in its petition for a determination of nonregulated status, APHIS analyses, and public comments received in response to previous notices announcing the availability of the petition for nonregulated status and associated environmental assessment and plant pest risk assessment. The change in status has been recognized on January 19, 2021.

APHIS concluded in its final plant pest risk assessment that the MON 88702 variety is unlikely to pose a plant pest risk to agricultural crops or other plants in the United States.

For more details, read the news article on the APHIS website and the Notice in the Federal Register.