b"REGULATORYKEEPING YOU INFORMED OF LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CHANGES IN EUROPE AND ABROAD FROM LAWSUITS TO APPROVALS TO OTHER REGULATORY ISSUES AFFECTING YOUR BUSINESS.NATIONAL INTERNATIONALEUROPEAN COMMISSION AUTHORIZES EIGHT GM CROPS FORUSDA ANNOUNCES DEREGULATION OF COTTON DEVELOPED FOOD AND FEED USING GEThe European Commission has authorized five geneticallyThe U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Animal and Plant modified (GM) crops (3 maize, 2 soybeans) and renewed theHealth Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the deregula-authorization for three maize crops used for food and feed. Thetion of a cotton variety, designated as MON 88702, developed by announcement was made on the European Union's Daily Newsthe Monsanto Company (Monsanto) using genetic engineering which was published on Jan. 22, 2021. for resistance to certain insects, primarily tarnished plant bugs All of the eight GM crops have gone through a comprehen- (Lygus species)sive and stringent authorization procedure, including a favorableAs part of the petition process, APHIS prepared a draft scientific assessment conducted by the European Food Safetyplant pest risk assessment (PPRA) and draft environmental Authority (EFSA). The authorization decisions do not cover cul- assessment (EA), and made these documents available for a tivation. Member States did not reach a qualified majority either30-day public review and comment period on October 16, 2020.in favor or against at the Standing Committee and at the subse- APHIS considered all public comments and conducted quent Appeal Committee, therefore the European Commissiona thorough review of the potential environmental impacts in has the legal duty to proceed with the authorizations which areits final EA pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act valid for 10 years, and any product produced from these GMOs(NEPA), reaching a finding of no significant impact (FONSI).will be subject to the EU's strict labeling and traceability rules. Source: USDA APHISSource: ISAAAEUROPEAN-SEED.COMIEUROPEAN SEED I 37"