USDA Announces Genetically Engineered (GE) Alfalfa and Potato Deregulations, and Availability of a Petition for Public Comment to Deregulate another GE Potato Variety

Dear BRS Stakeholder, 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing today determinations of nonregulated status for a genetically engineered (GE) low-lignin alfalfa variety developed by Monsanto Company and Forage Genetics International (FGI); and for GE potato varieties developed by J.R. Simplot Company (Simplot) that are engineered for low-acrylamide potential and reduced black spot bruising. 

We are also announcing the availability of a petition to deregulate a GE late blight resistant, low-acrylamide potential, reduced black spot bruising, and lowered reducing sugars potato variety, submitted by Simplot.  APHIS is making the petition available for a 60-day public comment period from November 10, 2014, to January 9, 2015.  During that time, go to www.Regulations.gov and type “APHIS-2014-0076” into the search box to submit public comments and review the petition and other comments received.    

A copy of these petitions, determinations, and supporting documents can be found on the News and Information page of the BRS website.