The EU Commission has approved DuPont subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International’s biotech maize, known as 1507, for all food uses.
The company said approval paves the way for grain and processed products, with the 1507 trait to be imported in all 25 EU countries. The biotech maize is resistant to insects that damage maize crops.
DuPont made a statement, on 3 November 2005, that said it was encouraged by the approval of 1507 maize for import and animal feed use at the time. Full authorization follows the positive safety evaluation of 1507 maize by the European Food Safety Authority.
Pioneer president Dean Oestreich said: “Today’s decision is great news for farmers and for Pioneer. This approval supports expanded choices for farmers and recognises the safety and value of Pioneer biotech products worldwide.
“1507 maize can help farmers protect their seed investment by minimising the risk of insect damage, while maximising the yield performance of Pioneer’s superior seed products.”
DuPont said the 1507 maize, which is planted in Argentina, Canada and the US, offers broad in-plant insect protection against the European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, western bean cutworm, black cutworm and fall armyworm. According to the biotech company it also helps reduce pesticide applications and, because it produces more grain on the same land area, it improves farm productivity and profitability.
