China approves Monsanto's DroughtGard Corn

China has granted full regulatory import authorization for Monsanto’s biotech trait in Genuity DroughtGard Hybrids, as part of a broader series of approvals. This represents a significant step forward for technology approvals in China.

In 2012, more than 250 farmers in the Western Great Plains planted DroughtGard hybrids on their farms through Monsanto’s Ground Breakers program. In 2013, the product was introduced in the Western Great Plains under stewardship requirements. Farmers who purchased DroughtGard Hybrids for planting in 2013 signed a grain stewardship agreement committing to use the grain as on-farm feed or to sell the grain for domestic use due to pending import approvals in key export markets. With the approval in China, Monsanto will remove the grain stewardship requirements, and grain will no longer be required to remain in the domestic market.

“The import approval of this trait is great news for U.S. farmers,” said Lisa Safarian, U.S. row crops lead, Monsanto.  “With full import approvals in key export markets, farmers can market their grain more broadly this year and plant with confidence in 2014.” 

The Genuity DroughtGard hybrids system combines germplasm selected for its drought-tolerance characteristics, the drought-tolerance biotechnology trait and agronomic recommendations. The system is designed to help the corn plant use less water when drought stress occurs. This improved hydro-efficiency creates the opportunity to conserve soil moisture and can help reduce yield loss from drought conditions, while also maintaining yield potential under normal, well watered conditions.