USDA solicits input on petition submitted by Bayer to deregulate corn developed using genetic engineering

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is soliciting public input on a petition submitted by Bayer U.S.-Crop Science (Bayer) to deregulate a corn cultivar developed using genetic engineering. The cultivar is designated as MON95379. It was modified to resist feeding damage caused by target lepidopteran pests, including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), sugarcane borer (diatraea saccharalis), and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea).  The input we receive during the public comment period will help us identify issues and potential impacts we should consider in our review and determine the appropriate environmental documents to prepare to document our decision.  

We are evaluating MON95379 corn under USDA’s legacy regulations (formerly, 7 CFR § 340.6) because Bayer submitted the product for review prior to implementation of our current biotechnology regulations. The legacy regulations focused on whether a plant pest was used in the product development and if there are potential increased plant pest risks compared to conventional counterparts. Under the legacy regulations, APHIS first solicits public input on the petition for 60 days. The comments we receive on the petition aid the Agency in preparing appropriate environmental documents. A second opportunity for public involvement will come when we publish either a notice of availability of a draft environmental assessment and draft plant pest risk assessment or a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement in the Federal Register.

The petition will be available for a 60-day public comment period. Beginning Monday, March 4, members of the public will be able to submit comments through May 3, 2024 at the link below. 

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