Approval of Intacta 2 Xtend soybean in China paves way for launch of planting season in Brazil

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages 

The approval, on Wednesday, of Bayer's Intacta 2 Xtend technology, will begin the commercial cultivation of biotechnological soy in Brazil. 

Brazil depends on the endorsement of China, which is its main buyer. According to the company, the decision is very important for the launch of the Intacta 2 Xtend^® Platform in Brazil, scheduled for the 2021/22 harvest. 

Below is the official statement of Bayer in Brazil, sent directly to AgroPages:

We are pleased to report that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China (MARA) has granted a security certificate for the import of Intact 2 soy for use in food/feed production. Intacta 2 Xtend^® will be the next soy biotechnology that Bayer is preparing to bring to the Brazilian market.

Intacta 2 has gone through a long review and approval process conducted by the Chinese government, and obtaining this approval is very important for the launch of the Intacta 2 Xtend^® Platform in Brazil, scheduled for the 2021/22 harvest.

After China’s approval, this biotechnology is awaiting approval in the European Union. The scientific review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in relation to biotechnology was completed on 25th September, 2019, and is pending authorization from the European Commission, which is expected later this year.

Despite this important step in relation to China, we will continue to follow all safety requirements (Stewardship) in our test fields when planting the 2020/21 crop, until the European Union’s biotechnology approval.