Two more genetically modified corn varieties receive biosafety certification.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has granted biosafety certificates to two genetically modified corn varieties, following the approval of the first variety last August.

Two maize varieties, GA21 from Syngenta Vietnam Co., Ltd. and NK603 from Dekalb Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Monsanto), both possess herbicide tolerance characteristics.

Genetically modified corn is being used by many people. Photo: TV

The Ministry of Natural Resources made the decision to grant biosafety certificates to the two maize varieties after a thorough evaluation and assessment of the registration dossiers. The dossiers were carefully reviewed and evaluated by scientists in the Expert Group, who have expertise and experience in related fields, and the Biosafety Council with members representing various ministries and agencies.

Organizations granted certification must manage and supervise biosafety and, once a year, must submit a written report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment detailing the time, location, and area where genetically modified corn has been released.

Before being granted biosafety certification in Vietnam, genetically modified corn NK603 had been approved by 11 countries and GA21 had been licensed for release into the environment by 9 countries; including developed countries such as the United States and Canada.

At the end of August, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued the first certificate for genetically modified corn, MON 89034. Prior to that, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had issued food and feed safety certificates for genetically modified corn varieties NK603, MON 89034, GA21, and MIR162.

The licensing of three genetically modified corn varieties means Vietnam can introduce this type of corn into cultivation without any biosecurity measures. However, to truly commercialize them, the corn varieties still need to be recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and included in the list of plant varieties permitted for production and business.

According to vnexpress