Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)
China has approved five varieties of genetically edited crops and 12 types of genetically modified (GM) soybeans, corn and cotton, expanding the approvals to encourage high-yielding crops, reduce import dependence and ensure food security. This is reported by the Reuters news agency.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued safety certificates to 17 crop varieties, according to a document published on the institution’s website.
The approved genetically edited crops include two varieties of soybeans and one each of wheat, corn and rice.
Unlike genetic modification, which involves inserting foreign genes into a plant, gene editing alters existing genes to improve the plant’s properties. Some scientists consider gene editing less risky than genetic modification.
Over the past year, the People’s Republic of China has increased approvals for high-yielding GM corn and soybean seeds to increase domestic production and reduce grain imports.
China mainly imports GM crops such as corn and soybeans for animal feed, while growing unmodified varieties for food consumption. Many Chinese consumers remain concerned about the safety of GM crops.
According to the ministry document, safety certificates for newly approved varieties are valid for five years starting from Dec. 25, 2024.