First market approval for NGT/"new GM" plants in the EU

Corteva (previously DowDupont/Pioneer) has received two new import approvals for transgenic maize. The plants produce insecticides and are resistant to a herbicide. CRISPR/Cas was used in one of the maize plants (DP915635) to insert additional genes into the genetic material. This is the first time the EU has approved plants developed with new genomic techniques (NGTs).

The genetically engineered (GE) maize plants are registered as DP915635 and DP23211, and Corteva has filed patent applications for both events. They produce insecticides that are otherwise only found in microorganisms (DP23211) or certain tree ferns (DP915635). In addition, one maize event (DP23211) produces an artificial RNA that is intended to block vital metabolic pathways in insect larvae when they feed on the plants. These toxins were not previously present in the food chain, but there has been hardly any investigation into possible side effects. Both of the GE maize plants are resistant to the herbicide glufosinate, for which agricultural usage is banned in the EU.

Testbiotech has criticised the EU several times over the years for approving GE plants, as many of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessments are found to be based on inadequate risk analyses. EFSA appears to have developed into a "service provider" for certain marketing interests.

Although Testbiotech has evidenced the shortcomings, the EU Commission has not yet taken any action to correct the current practice. The Commission is even tolerating the cultivation of transgenic maize in Spain, even though this approval expired a long time ago and recent evidence suggests there is a risk of uncontrolled spread of the GE plants.

Testbiotech warns that this policy could also be continued by the new EU Commission under its President, Ursula von der Leyen, who is regarded as a supporter of the introduction of genetically engineered plants into agriculture.

Further information

Testbiotech comment on maize DP915635

Testbiotech comment on maize DP23211

EU Commission decision on maize DP915635

EU Commission decision on maize DP23211

Information regarding cultivation of maize MON810 in Spain


Source: Testbiotech

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