News Releases and other News Material/Number 01194/0006
Release No. 0006.94
Cynthia A. Eck (301) 436-5931
Ron Hall (202) 720-3310
USDA TO RULE ON GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SOYBEANS
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4--The U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking the public for comments on the Monsanto company's petition for a determination of nonregulated status for certain genetically engineered soybeans.
Monsanto Co., in Chesterfield, Mo., has asked to grow its bio-engineered soybean lines without securing further USDA permits or acknowledged notifications, according to John Payne, acting director of biotechnology, biologies and environmental protection for USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
"After reviewing information submitted by Monsanto, as well as other relevant data and public comments, we'll determine whether it is appropriate to approve or deny this request that we no longer regulate the soybean lines involved," Payne said.
The soybean line, known as glyphosate-tolerant soybean line 40-3-2, or GTS line 40-3-2, is currently regulated because it contains gene sequences derived from plant pathogenic sources. Monsanto describes the GTS line 40-3-2 as soybeans that have been genetically engineered to tolerate the herbicide glyphosate.
Payne said that USDA regulators have the responsibility to assure that in releasing any bio-engineered plant, no plant pest risk is presented. APHIS reviewers focus on the biology, propagation and cultivation of the plant. The reviewers examine the source of the engineered genes, the vector used to transfer them and the stability of the insertion (in the current review process, APHIS regulators will inspect all the data).
Notice of the USDA action was published in the Dec. 6 Federal Register. Comments will be considered if received on or before Feb. 4, 1994. An original and three copies of written comments referring to docket 93-148-1 should be sent to Chief, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, USDA, Room 804 Federal Building, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Md. 20782. Comments may be inspected at USDA, Room 1141 South Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., or at USDA, Suite 7 (first floor) Federal Building, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Md. 20782, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
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