Language selection

Search

Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc.'s combined trait corn product containing events DAS-40278-9, MON 89034, DAS1507, MON 88017 and DAS-59122-7

Summary of the decision dated January 29, 2013:

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has reviewed a Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. notification of intent to release into the environment the combined trait corn product containing events DAS-40278-9, MON 89034, DAS 1507, MON 88017 and DAS-59122-7 (DAS-40278-9, MON-89034-3, DAS-01507-1, MON-88017-3, and DAS-59122-7, respectively) planted with a 5 % structured or blended non-Bt refuge. This product has been developed by stacking the events using traditional breeding methods and possesses traits for lepidopteran and coleopteran pest control. The product also has traits for tolerance to herbicides glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and aryloxyphenoxypropionate (AOPP) (or "fop"). All single events have been authorized for use in food and livestock feed and for environmental release in Canada.

The CFIA has evaluated the potential impact on and risk to the environment of using a 5% structured or blended non-Bt refuge strategy for this product, and has concluded that the use of this refuge strategy for a time-limited period poses minimal risk to the environment. Consequently, the time-limited environmental release of this combined trait corn product using these refuge strategies is authorized. In addition to the implementation of the insect resistance management (IRM) requirements specific to this product, during the interim authorization, the proponent is required to conduct further research on the effect of these refuge strategies on corn rootworm and European corn borer.

The CFIA concluded that cultivation of this corn product with an appropriately designed 5% structured or blended refuge strategy are expected to be at least as effective in delaying the development of resistant insects as cultivation of the individual single event Bt corn products with their respective structured refuge strategies. However, continued diligence on the part of technology developers, federal and provincial government representatives, public sector researchers and growers is required to ensure the continued stewardship of Bt corn products in support of sustainable agricultural practices in the long term.

More information about stewardship of Bt crops is available at
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plants-with-novel-traits/approved-under-review/eng/1300208455751/1300208520765.

For more information, please contact the Plant Biosafety Office at PBO@inspection.gc.ca.

Date modified: