COGEM Releases Advice on Renewal of Import and Processing of GM Cotton T304-40

The Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) was requested to evaluate the environmental risks associated with the renewal of the authorization for the import of genetically modified (GM) cotton T304-40 for use in food and feed, as submitted by BASF Agricultural Solutions Seed US LLC, represented in the EU by BASF SE.

In the letter to the State Secretary for Public Transport and the Environment, COGEM stated that cotton cultivation is not possible in the Dutch climate and that there are no wild relatives of cotton in The Netherlands. COGEM did not identify indications for potential environmental risks. The introduced traits in GM cotton T304-40 will not allow GM cotton to survive in the Dutch environment.

BASF SE provided a post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) plan and annual reports on the monitoring carried out between 2015 and 2023. The information in the reports does not indicate adverse effects or incidents resulting from the import and processing of GM cotton T304-40. COGEM wrote that the renewal of the market authorization for importing and processing GM cotton T304-40 poses a negligible risk to the Dutch environment.

For more information, read the COGEM advice.