Smartstax Corn Receives Import Approvals for Korea, Taiwan
More key import approvals support 2010 launch.
Compiled by staff
Published: Dec 7, 2009
Two more key regulatory milestones have been reached for the 2010 commercial launch of the corn seed trait combination SmartStax. Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences announced today that they have received import regulatory approvals from Korea and Taiwan for corn grain produced from SmartStax.
The food and feed safety of SmartStax corn was reviewed and approved by the Korean and Taiwan agencies charged with regulating biotech traits. These two additional approvals follow U.S., Canadian, and Japanese regulatory approvals announced by the companies in July 2009. With these approvals, SmartStax cultivation in the United States and Canada has taken a major step forward. Grain produced from SmartStax corn can now be imported to Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand among other countries.
"These are significant milestones as we ramp up for 2010 launch of SmartStax," said Brad Shurdut, Global Biotech Regulatory and Government Affairs Leader for Dow AgroSciences. "Korea and Taiwan are significant importers of U.S. corn and these approvals pave the way for U.S. and Canadian growers to benefit from the most advanced, all in one corn trait platform."
"SmartStax is a valuable tool in a farmer's risk management strategy," said Jerry Hjelle, Monsanto Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. "Its multiple modes of action against insect pressure means farmers can significantly lower their pesticide usage, and the reduced refuge for above and below-ground pests for SmartStax increases whole farm yield potential."
SmartStax is the result of best-in-class trait integration that combines each company's industry-leading corn traits to provide growers the broadest spectrum of above- and below-ground protection against pests and weeds.
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Tagged: Monsanto, farm, pesticide, combines, corn seed
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