IARN — The Chinese government is considering safety approval for more genetically modified corn varieties put out by its domestic producers. Bloomberg says that could lead to planting more of these crops within the world’s top corn buyer. China’s agriculture ministry is looking for public opinion on the safety approval of three GMO corn varieties and seven new GMO cotton strains.
Beijing allows imports of GMO crops for processing, and they can’t be used as seeds. Genetically modified crops are grown by many of the world’s top crop producers, including the U.S., Brazil, and Argentina. Other countries limit their use due to health and environmental concerns.
China’s move comes as the country has bought large amount of grain supplies from around the globe to feed their hog herd, which is still recovering from African Swine Fever. Beijing focused more on its own food security through the past year, including more self-sufficiency in staple grains.
