China Signals Major Shift into GM Crops USDA FAS

China Signals Major Shift into GM Crops USDA FAS

China wants to push forward with the large-scale planting of genetically modified (GM) crops. Pest-resistant Bt cotton is already grown on an industrial scale in China, while Bt rice and phytase maize (which eliminates the need to feed extra phosphate to poultry and pigs) is expected to follow suit within 3-5 years. The development of new GM crops is one of the 16 major projects listed in China's plan for scientific and technological development until 2020. The government's plans include the development of pest- and disease-resistant GM rice, rapeseed, maize and soy, with research focusing on yield, quality, nutritional value and drought tolerance. BASF Gets Brazilian