The U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially deregulated a new genetically engineered corn trait designed to combat one of corn growers’ most persistent pests: corn rootworm.
The agency’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced today that Bayer CropScience’s MON 95275 corn has been granted nonregulated status, meaning it can now be grown and moved without federal biotech restrictions.
According to the USDA, the trait was developed to protect against feeding damage from corn rootworm — a pest that continues to cost U.S. producers billions in yield losses and control measures each year.
After reviewing company data, scientific literature, and public comments, APHIS concluded the product is unlikely to pose additional plant pest risk compared to conventional corn. The genetically engineered corn has already been greenlit for use elsewhere, like Brazil and Canada.