NCGA recommends that as you select hybrids you do so with the full knowledge of whether the number is conventional, one approved for EU export or one not yet approved for EU export.

APPROVAL STATUS OF BIOTECH CORN HYBRIDS

Know Before You Grow

You should select hybrids with the full knowledge of whether it is conventional, fully approved for EU export, or not yet fully approved for EU export. Growers should read their grower agreements before planting and be aware of the requirements of those agreements. In 2005, the EU announced that a number of hybrids had been approved for use in production of processed feeds (corn gluten feed and DDGS). Those changes are reflected in the Approval Status of Biotech Corn Hybrids Table. However, hybrids remain available in the U.S market that cannot be used by domestic processors for production of processed feeds and food exported to the EU. If you are planting one of those hybrids awaiting full EU approval, you must talk with your grain handler before harvest and delivery.

NCGA remains committed to the principle that U.S.-grown biotech hybrids yet to be approved in major export markets should not be placed into export channels. To this end, NCGA advises its members to Know Before You Grow to minimize potential trade disruption with our export customers. Read your grower agreement. Talk to your seed company representatives and grain buyers. Get the facts. If the biotech hybrid you plant isn’t fully approved, talk to your grain buyer. Rest assured there is ample market for your biotech corn – approximately 60 percent of all U.S.-grown corn is fed to U.S.-raised livestock. To help you Know Before You Grow, NCGA will cooperate with technology providers to give you regular updates on approval status of these events.

The European Commission has published a list of 26 genetically modified (GM) products which have been legally on the EU market since before the new legislative framework for authorizing GM food and feed had entered into effect. These so-called “existing products” were either approved under former EU legislation, or did not require approval at the time that they were put on the market. They have been added to a specific section of the Community register of genetically modified food and feed in order to clarify exactly which GM products are legally permitted to be sold in the EU and to have full information on these products.

Click here to view the hybrid traits and their worldwide use or restrictions

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