Rootworms resistant to Monsanto corn in Illinois, Iowa

Rootworms in Illinois and Iowa have become resistant to an insecticide produced by Monsanto Co. corn, and four more states (South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Nebraska) likely have resistant worms, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The resistance finding is based on a test developed at Iowa State University rather than the regulatory definition, which is “flawed” and should be changed, said the EPA in a report examining Monsanto’s product. At least 23 counties have damaged fields that need to be tested for resistance.
Kelly J. Clauss, a Monsanto spokeswoman, said the company is working with growers to reduce the number of fields with unexpected damage, a sign of suspected resistance. “Corn rootworm resistance is suspected, but not confirmed, according to the regulatory definition of resistance,” said Clauss. “We are very much in line with the EPA in terms of what needs to be done.” The EPA recommended Monsanto work with the agency to revise the definition of confirmed resistance by March 31. Meanwhile, Monsanto has agreed to transition growers from Yieldgard to SmartStax corn, which has a second mode of action for controlling rootworms.

Decision on planting genetically modified corn expected in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's National Biosafety Committee, an analysis group comprised of the Ministry of Environment and Energy as well as the National Academy of Sciences representative, may soon decide whether or not to allow planting genetically modified corn in that country.
In December 2012, members of the National Biosafety Committee asked for a delay in the ruling of whether or not to allow the planting of genetically modified corn, saying they were waiting on technical information. However, a local report has said the committee may decide in about seven days whether to allow planting of the genetically modified crops or further delay the ruling to continue studying the issue and request more information from the company seeking authorization.

China turns to Monsanto, others to boost corn yields

With China's corn demand growing steadily, the country's government has approved the use of more hybrid seed varieties like those from Monsanto Co., DuPont Pioneer and Syngenta AG to boost yields, according to reports.
China imported a record 5.5 million metric tons of corn in 2011–2012, but with the new hybrid seeds some domestic farmers are already reporting yields at double the average five metric tons per hectare. China's corn crop is forecast at a record 200 million metric tons for the current year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "My view is that within the next 7–10 years the gap in terms of demand and supply will probably be reduced to close to zero if the technology can reach the farmer," said Diego Diz, China corn marketing lead for Monsanto.
China is under significant pressure to meet the growing demand for meat, and the corn to feed the animals that supply it. "Over the next 15 years, China needs 80–100 million metric tons of corn, additional corn, a year," said Hardeep Grewal, Syngenta's head of corn marketing for the Asia-Pacific. "It means yields have to go up 50–60 percent." Hybrids have modernized planting as some seed firms guarantee 95 percent germination. Crop density, which has a direct impact on production, is up by around half to 60,000 plants per hectare from five years ago, though still lagging behind the U.S. level of around 80,000. New varieties also mean reduced fertilizer use and improved water efficiency — a critical factor in the increasingly water-stressed northeast.
By 2025, much of China's northeast will become either severely or extremely water stressed, according to the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas managed by the World Resources Institute in Washington. Water shortage was one factor cited by China's agriculture minister as a threat to the country's ability to feed itself, along with growing land and labor shortages. "To ensure grain security ... We will breed a new type of agricultural player and develop proper-scale mechanized farming," said Han Changfu at a session of the ruling Communist Party congress.

Study insufficient to question safety of genetically modified corn

A recent study that called into question the safety of Monsanto's NK603 genetically modified corn did not provide sufficient evidence to reconsider existing safety approvals, according to France's government.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Caen, said rats that fed on the corn were at higher risk of suffering tumors, organ damage and premature death. In response, France's government requested the opinion of the National Agency for Sanitary Safety of Food, Environment and Labor, ANSES, and biotechnology advisory council HCB. Both agencies determined that the study did not demonstrate its findings conclusively.
"On this basis, there is therefore no need to go back on the authorizations issued for the NK603 maize and the Roundup weed killer," they said. The French government has, however, called for an overhaul of EU procedures for approving genetically modified varieties of corn and pesticides, and reaffirmed its ban on growing genetically modified crops.

China to produce country's first genetically modified corn in 2013

Origin Agritech Ltd. said it expects to commercially produce China's first genetically modified corn strain in 2013, pending government approval, according to company chairman Han Gengchen. Once approved, the U.S.-listed, Beijing-based company expects the acreage for the corn to account for 10 percent of China's total corn acreage within 10 years. "We have bred the gene on local hybrid seeds which are popularly used and generate high yields," said Gengchen. "The safety approval process (for seed use) would be faster and likely be this year and we will start production next year." The genetically modified corn can help pigs digest more phosphorus, enhancing growth and reducing pollution from animal waste. China is already the world's largest importer of genetically modified soybeans, with annual imports accounting for roughly 60 percent of globally traded soybeans.

France calls for suspension of Monsanto genetically modified corn

France has asked the European Commission to suspend authorization to plant Monsanto's genetically modified MON810 corn, the only genetically modified corn approved for planting in the European Union, according to reports. France banned the growing of MON810 corn in 2008, citing environmental risks, but the ban was overturned by France's Council of State in November 2011. According to the French government, the authorization should be suspended due to "significant risks for the environment" shown in recent scientific studies.

USDA approves Monsanto drought-resistant GM corn

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Monsanto's genetically engineered, drought-resistant corn for sale in the U.S. after reviewing environmental and risk assessments, public comments and research data from the company, according to reports. The variety, known as MON 87460, "is no longer considered a regulated article under our regulations governing the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms," said the USDA. The major U.S. area for adoption of drought-tolerant corn will be the Plains, which produces one-quarter of the country's corn crop, according to Monsanto estimates.

BASF Plant Science, Monsanto to collaborate on new corn hybrids

BASF Plant Science and Monsanto announced the signing of an agreement to develop and commercialize new, more nutritious corn hybrids for animal feed.
The new hybrids will combine BASF’s NutriDense traits with Monsanto’s Roundup Ready Genuity VT Triple PRO and Genuity SmartStax corn for release in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The companies expect the new hybrids to deliver yields equivalent to elite conventional corn and better feed value. They say that corn growers could benefit from premium pricing to animal feed operations.
Roughly 45 percent of the corn grown in the United States is used as animal feed, with the majority being fed specifically to swine or poultry.

SmartStax corn qualifies for insurance break

According to reports, corn hybrids containing SmartStax, a technology developed by Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences, will qualify for the Pilot Biotechnology Endorsement (BE) in 2010.
This program allows farmers to receive a break on their crop insurance premium rate. The Pilot BE program brings down the costs of crop insurance for those who meet the program requirements and plant certain qualifying hybrids in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.