March 24, 2025 | 14:30 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Thursday- 21:08, 02/01/2025

China approves more GM crops to boost yields, ensure food security

(VAN) China has approved five gene-edited crop varieties and 12 types of genetically modified (GM) soybean, corn and cotton, expanding approvals to boost high-yield crops, reduce import reliance, and ensure food security.
A Chinese farmer dries corns on the outskirts of Qingdao city, Shandong Province. Photo: Oriental Image via Reuters Connect.

A Chinese farmer dries corns on the outskirts of Qingdao city, Shandong Province. Photo: Oriental Image via Reuters Connect.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs awarded safety certificates to the 17 crop varieties, according to a document on its website on Tuesday.

The approved gene-edited crops include two soybean varieties, and one each of wheat, corn, and rice.

The approved varieties include seeds from Beijing-based feed group Dabeinong (002385.SZ), opens new tab and China National Seed Group, a subsidiary of seeds and pesticides maker Syngenta Group.

Unlike genetic modification, which involves inserting foreign genes into a plant, gene editing alters existing genes to enhance or improve the plant’s traits. Some scientists view gene editing as less risky than genetic modification.

China has also authorised the import of an insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM soybean variety from the German chemicals firm BASF exclusively as a processing material, the ministry added.

Over the past year, the country has increased approvals for higher-yielding GM corn and soybean seeds to raise domestic production and reduce grain imports.

China mostly imports GM crops such as corn and soybeans for animal feed, while cultivating non-GM varieties for food consumption. Many Chinese consumers remain concerned about the safety of GM food crops.

The safety certificates for the newly-approved varieties are valid for five years, starting from December 25, according to the ministry document.

HD

Reuters

South Korean technology takes root in Vietnamese fields

South Korean technology takes root in Vietnamese fields

(VAN) South Korean Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs visits the Vietnam-Korea Smart Farm and assesses the potential for cooperation in developing smart farms between the two countries.

The Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam shares effective water management solutions

The Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam shares effective water management solutions

(VAN) Mr. Yaron Mayer, Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam, wrote an article sharing Israel's smart and effective water management experiences on the occasion of World Water Day (March 22).

4 new partnerships to help water stewardship and sustainable farming

4 new partnerships to help water stewardship and sustainable farming

(VAN) For World Water Day, we’re releasing our 2025 Water Stewardship Project Portfolio summary report and highlighting four new partnerships focused on agricultural sustainability around the world.

AGRITECHNICA ASIA Vietnam 2025: A commitment to sustainable collaboration with Vietnamese agriculture

AGRITECHNICA ASIA Vietnam 2025: A commitment to sustainable collaboration with Vietnamese agriculture

(VAN) According to Jens Kremer, the CEO of DLG Markets, the success of AGRITECHNICA ASIA is a reflection of a long-term commitment to supporting Vietnamese agriculture through technological solutions.

Vietnam - China cooperate to address water challenges in the Mekong Delta region

Vietnam - China cooperate to address water challenges in the Mekong Delta region

(VAN) On March 22, the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research welcomed and held a working session with a delegation from Ministry of Water Resources the People's Republic of China, led by Minister Li Guoying.

South Korean Agriculture Minister harvests carrots with Hai Duong farmers

South Korean Agriculture Minister harvests carrots with Hai Duong farmers

(VAN) Minister Song Miryung commended Duc Chinh Agricultural Services Cooperative for pioneering science and technology in carrot production, meeting safety and export standards.

Agriculture and Environment to become driving forces in Vietnam–RoK comprehensive strategic partnership

Agriculture and Environment to become driving forces in Vietnam–RoK comprehensive strategic partnership

(VAN) Minister Do Duc Duy emphasized that Vietnam is a promising market where South Korean high-tech agricultural enterprises can easily expand their investments.

Read more