USDA Seeks Opinion on GM Cotton Deregulation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking public comment on an appeal to deregulate glyphosate-tolerant cotton line GHB614. The petition was submitted by Bayer CropScience. If APHIS grants the petition for deregulation, the cotton and its progeny can be planted freely without requiring permits. An environmental assessment (EA) draft has been prepared to determine whether deregulating the cotton could have a significant impact on the environment. APHIS’ preferred action is to deregulate the cotton based on the fact that it does not present any plant-pest risk. GHB614 is also subject to regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more information read http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2008/06/deregcttn.shtml Comments can be submitted on http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0017