China reissues new 3 year safety certificates
13 April 2004
- Good news for North American growers as approvals allow for continued trade. The Chinese government's approval today of the required safety certificate for the importation of Roundup Ready canola is great news for growers who plant canola improved through biotechnology.
- Imports have continued under an interim GM approval process for the past two years, however, this temporary system is set to lapse as of April 21, 2004. The new safety certificates, which are valid for the next three years, will allow for a more predictable process for traders as well as continued canola trade.
Monsanto receives final safety certificates from Chinese government for Roundup Ready(r) canola
April 13, 2004
From a press release
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- Good news for North American growers as approvals allow for continued trade. The Chinese government's approval today of the required safety certificate for the importation of Roundup Ready canola is great news for growers who plant canola improved through biotechnology.
China is a very important market for Canadian and U.S. canola where imports have continued under an interim process for the past two years. Issuance of this important safety certificate by the Chinese Government will allow for a more predictable process for traders and continued trade of Roundup Ready canola. The Roundup Ready canola event - GT73 - was approved by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and validated from April 6, 2004 to April 6, 2007.
"This is important news for growers who plant biotech crops. Another major importer has agreed that these products are safe and will be accepted," said Carl Casale, vice-president of Monsanto Company.
Earlier in the year, Monsanto received safety certificates from China for import of five commercial products in soybeans, corn, and cotton, thereby allowing farmers greater choice in how they produce their crops, control insects and decrease weeds. Specifically, the certificates received by Monsanto included Roundup Ready soybeans, one version of Roundup Ready corn, YieldGard
Corn Borer, Bollgard cotton, and Roundup Ready cotton.
In 2002, China issued new regulations requiring safety certificates for imported grain derived from crops improved through biotechnology. Monsanto submitted extensive safety information for these products, which have been approved in many countries globally. "Many Pacific Rim countries are important markets for these products. The approvals in China send a clear message to North American growers and industry that biotech canola is welcome. China now joins an extensive list of countries that include Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines," said Casale.
Roundup Ready crops allow growers to use Roundup glyphosate-based agricultural herbicides over the top of growing plants, thereby offering more effective weed control with an herbicide that has a favorable environmental profile. YieldGard corn and Bollgard cotton protect themselves from certain insect pests, thereby greatly reducing the amount of chemical insecticides necessary to control those insects.
Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a leading provider of agricultural solutions to growers worldwide. Monsanto's employees provide top-quality, cost-effective and integrated approaches to help farmers improve their productivity and produce better quality foods. For more information on Monsanto, see: www.monsanto.com .
Chinese reaffirm safety of GM canola
April 13, 2004
Canola Council Press Release
"Chinese officials have, after exhaustive analysis, confirmed the safety of GM canola for human and feed consumption by their issuance of safety certificates for importation of GM canola," says Barb Isman, President of the Canola Council of Canada.
Certificates for all seven GM canola traits were provided to developers Monsanto Canada and Bayer CropScience Inc., on Tuesday, April 13, 2004. The seven certificates are for one Round-up Ready and six Liberty Link/InVigor traits.
Importers and exporters of canola seed and oil can now use the certificates to apply for import permits on future shipments of canola to China. "This is good news for Canadian growers who are growing biotech canola. It confirms that China, a major customer for Canadian canola, has no issues with the safety of GM canola," says Trish Jordan, Public and Industry Affairs Lead for Monsanto Canada.
"This is great news for Canadian growers and for the canola industry, as this establishes a firm commitment in allowing exporting to one of the world's largest markets," says Derrick Rozdeba, Manager, Integrated Communications, Bayer CropScience Inc.
China has become an important market for Canadian canola with trade in 2003 expected to be in excess of $500 million. Imports have continued under an interim GM approval process for the past two years, however, this temporary system is set to lapse as of April 21, 2004. The new safety certificates, which are valid for the next three years, will allow for a more predictable process for traders as well as continued canola trade. "We are extremely pleased that China's examination of the safety of GM canola was conducted on the basis of sound science. In fact, global commitment to scientifically based food safety regulation is absolutely vital to the future of world trade," declares Isman. "Now we can look forward to building trade with China in the future." Roundup Ready canola can be sprayed with Roundup, and InVigor canola with Liberty, offering more effective weed control and other benefits to growers, says JoAnne Buth, Vice President Crop Production for the Canola Council.
Source: Agnet
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