COGEM Releases Advice on Renewal of Import and Processing of GM Cotton MON15985

The Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) was requested to evaluate the environmental risks associated with the renewal of the authorization for the import of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape MON88302 for use in food and feed, as submitted by Bayer Agriculture BV on behalf of Bayer CropScience LP.

In the letter to the State Secretary for Public Transport and the Environment, COGEM stated that monitoring along transport routes should be included in the monitoring plan as accidental spillage of GM oilseed rape seeds may lead to the establishment of feral GM Brassica napus, which could lead to stacked events, or feral GM B. rapa with GM traits such as herbicide tolerance.

Bayer CropScience provided a post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) plan and annual reports on the monitoring carried out between 2015 and 2023. The information in the reports does not indicate adverse effects or incidents resulting from the import and processing of GM oilseed rape MON88302. COGEM wrote that the renewal of the market authorization for the import and processing of GM oilseed rape MON88302 poses a negligible risk to the Dutch environment.

For more information, read the COGEM advice.

See https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=21003