June 17, 2025 | 06:47 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

Comprehensive, multi-sectoral cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands

Comprehensive, multi-sectoral cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands

(VAN) The working delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment conducted an important trip to the Netherlands to strengthen strategic partnerships and sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

First Prize at the 2025 UPU Contest: The ocean has plea, it’s time for humanity to act

First Prize at the 2025 UPU Contest: The ocean has plea, it’s time for humanity to act

(VAN) The letter ‘A Plea from the Ocean’ not only evokes emotion but also awakens the human conscience to the responsibility of protecting life on Earth.

South Africa’s poultry sector prepares for mass avian influenza vaccination

South Africa’s poultry sector prepares for mass avian influenza vaccination

(VAN) The Department of Agriculture in South Africa has announced the country’s first mass vaccination of poultry to prevent local birds from contracting avian influenza.

Vietnam to establish a Mekong Delta regional connectivity center for modern agriculture

Vietnam to establish a Mekong Delta regional connectivity center for modern agriculture

(VAN) Establishment of the Mekong Delta Regional Agricultural Linkage Center, aiming for a closed value chain, deep processing, trading platforms, and international market connectivity.

Gia Lai has 460 rare species of animals and plants

Gia Lai has 460 rare species of animals and plants

(VAN) Gia Lai province has recently recorded 460 rare species of animals and plants, contributing to forest conservation and biodiversity planning in the region.

New Zealand Ambassador outlines cooperation priorities in Vietnam

New Zealand Ambassador outlines cooperation priorities in Vietnam

(VAN) Ms. Caroline Beresford, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam, expressed confidence that agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and New Zealand will develop sustainably, be climate-resilient, and promote gender equality.

Vietnam co-chairs high-level session on advancing sustainable fisheries

Vietnam co-chairs high-level session on advancing sustainable fisheries

(VAN) Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation in fostering sustainable and responsible fisheries while ensuring resilient livelihoods for small-scale fishing communities.

Read more