AgroPages-Argentina approved SGS's GM crop field studies-Agricultural news

Argentina approved SGS's GM crop field studies

SGS genetically modified (GM) crop field studies to support the development of new traits and events are now available in Argentina, following certification by the country’s National Seed Institute (INASE).

SGS has been granted certification to perform field studies with any kind of GM material following successful completion of a thorough review of its field trials capabilities, bio-safety and agronomy skills by INASE. Accreditation of the company’s field operation and station in Junín, Argentina, means customers can now apply for field trial permits at CONABIA (National Commission of Biotechnology).

“SGS is pleased to build on its GM trials capabilities in the region, and provide this new field site in Junín, to operate concurrently with our many sites in Brazil,” said Renan Gravena, Regional Business Development Manager. “We look forward to further supporting the development of new traits and events in GM-crops in South America.”

SGS operates all field trials according to Argentina’s national requirements, as set down by CONABIA, and the industry’s Excellence Through Stewardship initiative.

SGS GM Crop Field Trial Services

SGS provides services related to GM-crop field trials in many countries in North and South America, as well as Asia. The company’s extensive experience in bio-safety and agronomics, as well as the nutritional equivalence studies required for GM crops in their development phase, have been replicated internally in order to establish a robust quality operation in Argentina.

GM field trial permits must be applied for in good time, as the approval process can take up to four months. Trial permits for the main cropping period at SGS’s site in Junin should be placed with CONABIA between January and May. Once CONABIA has approved a trial permit (including details of the selected farm land and GM material) SGS is ready to start the trial.