Features Agronomy Corn
Newest trait in corn receives Japanese import approval

July 31, 2009 – Word that Japan will allow the
import of corn hybrids bearing the SmartStax trait for insect and weed
control, a move that is of significant importance to growers in Canada
and the U.S.

A key regulatory milestone has been reached for the 2010 commercial launch of SmartStax, the corn industry's eagerly anticipated seed trait combination that will provide Canadian and US corn farmers the most comprehensive weed and insect control and allow them to significantly reduce their structured refuge requirement.

Monsanto Company and Dow AgroSciences announced today that they have received full Japanese regulatory approval for importation of grain produced from SmartStax.

The food, feed and environmental safety of SmartStax corn were each reviewed and approved by the government agencies in Japan. These approvals follow US and Canadian regulatory approvals announced by the companies on July 20. With these approvals, SmartStax can be produced and planted in the United States and Canada and grain can be imported to Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

"The breakthrough of SmartStax is the field performance achieved by combining these already established and globally approved traits," said Jerry Hjelle, Monsanto's vice president of Regulatory Affairs. "Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences teams are working closely to obtain the few remaining import approvals ahead of the 2010 launch.

Japan the leading corn importing country