All Knowledge & Insights By Date

On March 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that it received a request to extend its determination of nonregulated status of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.’s DP23211 insect-resistant and glufosinate-ammonium-tolerant maize (corn) to DP51291 maize (corn). 91 Fed. Reg. 11028. APHIS states that similar to DP23211 corn, “DP51291 corn was genetically engineered to express the IPD072Aa protein for control of...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on March 27, 2026, that it determined that MON 95275 maize (corn), developed using genetic engineering to produce two insecticidal proteins and a double-stranded Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) transcript to provide protection from feeding damage caused by targeted coleopteran (corn rootworm) insect pests, is no longer considered regulated. 91 Fed. Reg. 14805. APHIS states that its determination is...

On March 16, 2026, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report on engineered biofertilizers, which use genetic engineering and combine multiple strains of microbes to enhance their effectiveness. According to GAO, the opportunities of engineered biofertilizers include: Economic benefits: According to GAO, fertilizer costs have increased due to tight global supplies, energy shocks, and trade disruptions. GAO notes that increased crop yields and reduced fertilizer costs...

In February 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published several petitions seeking a determination of nonregulated status for products developed using genetic engineering. Each petition states that the information provided indicates that the product is unlikely to pose a plant pest risk and therefore should not be regulated. In each case, APHIS prepared a draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) to assess the plant pest risk of...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on September 29, 2025, that it determined that MON 95379 Lepidopteran-Protected Maize (corn), which was developed using genetic engineering to produce two insecticidal proteins to protect against feeding damage caused by target lepidopteran pests, is no longer considered regulated. 90 Fed. Reg. 46546. APHIS states that its determination is based on its evaluation of information and data...

On September 4, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published the Trump Administration’s Spring 2025 Unified Agenda. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Unified Agenda includes the following Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) rulemakings: Regaining Lost Efficiencies for Products of Biotechnology: According to the Unified Agenda item, this interim rule will create exemptions from USDA’s regulations for plants and microbes that are already subject to U.S....

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on September 4, 2025, that it determined that ISK-311NR-4 phalaenopsis (moth orchid), which was developed using genetic engineering to produce a blue-purple flower color, is no longer considered regulated. 90 Fed. Reg. 42737. APHIS states that its determination is based on its evaluation of information and data Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Limited submitted in its petition for a determination of...

On August 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) advised the public that it is withdrawing notices of intent to prepare environmental impact statements (EIS) for two petitions seeking determinations of nonregulated status for organisms developed using genetic engineering. 90 Fed. Reg. 40050. APHIS states that its decision to withdraw the notices of intent is consistent with its July 9, 2025, Program Update that as of that date,...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on July 8, 2025, that it has received a petition from Bayer CropScience seeking a determination of nonregulated status for MON 95275 maize (corn) that has been developed using genetic engineering to produce two insecticidal proteins and a double-stranded RNA transcript to provide protection from feeding damage caused by targeted coleopteran (corn rootworm) insect pests. 90 Fed. Reg. 30035....

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on July 9, 2025, that it is updating its practices for reviewing petitions seeking a determination of nonregulated status for organisms altered or produced through genetic engineering (modified organisms) under 7 C.F.R. Part 340. According to APHIS, it is making these updates to ensure its petition process aligns with recent developments related to the National Environmental Policy Act...