Public comment is being accepted for 60 days on a petition from Pioneer Hi-Bred International seeking deregulation of a corn variety developing using genetic engineering. The variety is engineered to be resistant to corn rootworm and tolerant to glufosinate herbicides.

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is receiving comments regarding potential environmental and interrelated economic impacts to assist in its assessment of the petition as it relates to the National Environmental Policy Act.

Comments may be submitted through Jan. 4, 2021, at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2020-0098.

Tell us more about this corn variety.

APHIS has received a petition (APHIS Petition Number 20-203-01p) from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. seeking a determination of nonregulated status of corn designated as DP23211, which has been genetically engineered for insect resistance against corn rootworm that consists of a double-stranded RNA combined with a novel protein. DP23211 corn also contains the gene that codes for the phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) protein responsible for the tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium herbicides and the gene that encodes for phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) protein, which is used as a selectable marker.

Why develop the variety?

 The DP23211 corn variety, as it is known in the application, provides farmers with an additional control option for CRW pests.

Has it been tested?

The variety has been field tested in the United States and Puerto Rico for more than five years in more than 150 separate plantings as authorized by USDA APHIS, according to the Federal Register.

Where can the petition be viewed?

The petition and any comments received on this docket may be viewed at http://www.regulations.gov/​#!docketDetail;​D=​APHIS-2020-0098 or in our reading room, which is located in 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there, please call (202) 7997039 before coming.

The petition is also available on the APHIS website at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/​aphis/​ourfocus/​biotechnology/​permits-notifications-petitions/​petitions/​petition-status under APHIS petition 20-203-01p.

How can I get more information?

For more information, contact Cindy Eck, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236; (301) 851-3892; email: [email protected] or Dr. Subray Hegde, Director, Risk Analysis Programs, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236; (301) 851-3901; email: [email protected].

Are there any comments yet?

Yes, as of Nov. 9, one comment has been submitted.

Source: USDA