To date, China has followed a policy of growing non-GM crops but importing genetically modified ingredients mostly for animal feed.

The intended approval of GM cultivars for domestic production is regarded as a major shift recognizing the inherit value of the technology.  The GM wheat varieties will be used to produce pasta, noodles and bread.

The shift towards approval of GM crops is an acknowledgment that agriculture in China must become more efficient to reduce the Nation’s reliance on imports.  Insect-resistant strains of corn are now undergoing approval along with appropriate changes in labeling regulations. The phase- shift should eventually result in general acceptance of GM crops in China and will influence acceptance by holdout nations.