USDA Deregulates Corn Developed Using Genetic Engineering

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
up-close photo of corn on the cob

Contact:
Rick Coker
(301) 851-4091                        

WASHINGTON, September 22, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is deregulating a corn variety known as PY203, developed using genetic engineering by Agrivida, Inc., to produce phytase enzymes for nutritionally enhanced animal feed.

As part of the petition process, APHIS prepared and sought public comments for 30 days on a draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment that examined plant pest risks, a preliminary Determination of Nonregulated Status, a Draft Environmental Assessment that analyzed the potential environmental impacts, and a preliminary Finding of No Significant Impact.

APHIS received no new substantive information during the public comment period and is deregulating the PY203 corn variety. The effective date of deregulation is September 21, 2021.