USDA Invites Public Comment to Deregulate GE Corn DP51291

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has announced that it is seeking public comment on a petition from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. to deregulate DP51291 corn, a variety developed using genetic engineering (GE) for insect-resistance and herbicide tolerance. APHIS has previously deregulated these traits in DP23211 corn, another Pioneer variety.

After reviewing Pioneer's request, researchers found that DP51291 corn is no more likely to pose a plant pest risk than the previously deregulated DP23211 corn. As part of the evaluation process, APHIS has published a draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) to examine whether the engineered plant poses any environmental or agricultural risks.

Starting March 6, 2026, the public is invited to participate in a 30-day review period to provide feedback on the petition and the agency's scientific findings. Stakeholders, researchers, and citizens are encouraged to submit data, studies, or general comments through the APHIS website by April 6, 2026. Following the comment period, the USDA will review all submissions before making a final determination on whether the GE corn can be grown and sold without federal regulatory oversight.

For more details, read the announcement on the APHIS website.