Origin Agritech Ltd. recently announced that its GMO corn hybrid, with the triple-stacked trait BFL4-2, has been selected for the national demo plot, making it the only triple-stacked trait corn in China with this distinction. This approval is a significant milestone for Origin Agritech as it marks a several-year head start over potential competitors in the GMO corn industry.
The triple-stacked trait BFL4-2, comprised of two different insect resistance genes and an herbicide resistance gene, is China’s crown jewel of seed traits. Origin Agritech’s proprietary germplasm and transgenic technology enabled it to collaborate on the development program for BFL4-2, giving the company an edge in the race to commercialize GMO corn in China. The hybrid was filed for variety approval in March, including four different varieties containing BFL4-2. If approval happens this summer, the hybrid could hit the market by 2023. Origin Agritech’s Chairman, Gangchen Han, believes that the company’s drought resistance gene and the triple-stacked trait integrated into its hybrid corn put them in a position to capitalize on the multi-billion-dollar market opportunity.
The selection of Origin Agritech’s GMO corn hybrid for the national demo plot is a recognition of the company’s revolutionary new GMO corn varieties. In addition, this move aligns with China’s transition to becoming GMO-positive, which the company has been preparing for over a decade. The commercialization of GMO corn in China is a game-changer for the agriculture industry as it will increase crop yields and provide food security for the country’s growing population.
The benefits of GMO corn are not limited to China alone. GMO crops have been shown to increase crop yields, reduce the use of pesticides, and improve food security in many countries around the world. However, GMO crops remain controversial due to concerns over their safety and environmental impact. While the safety of GMO crops remains a concern for many, rigorous testing and regulation ensure that only approved GMO crops are available in the market. Origin Agritech’s GMO corn hybrid has undergone thorough testing and has been approved by the Chinese regulatory authorities.
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