USDA Seeks Public Input on Deregulation of Genetically Engineered Corn

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has initiated a public comment period regarding a petition from Bayer CropScience. The petition seeks a determination of nonregulated status for MON 95275 maize, a genetically engineered corn designed to produce two insecticidal proteins and a double-stranded RNA transcript. This development aims to protect the crop from damage inflicted by coleopteran pests, specifically the corn rootworm.

In evaluating the petition, APHIS prepared a draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) to determine the potential risks associated with the MON 95275 corn. This assessment compared the pest risks of the genetically engineered corn with those of its unmodified counterpart. According to APHIS, the draft PPRA concluded that MON 95275 maize is unlikely to present a greater plant pest risk than unmodified corn.

Public Comment Period and Next Steps

The public comment period is open until September 8, 2025. During this timeframe, stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to submit their feedback regarding the petition. APHIS will review all comments submitted, alongside any other pertinent information, before making its final determination.

Once the comment period concludes, APHIS will either approve or deny the petition based on the available data. The agency will then publish its regulatory decision on its website and issue a notice of availability in the Federal Register. This process allows for transparency and public engagement in the regulatory review of genetically engineered organisms.

As biotechnology continues to evolve, the decision on MON 95275 corn could have significant implications for agricultural practices and pest management strategies across the United States.