CFIA authorization of SmartStax™ Corn

The CFIA has reviewed a joint Monsanto Canada and Dow AgroSciences Canada notification of intent to release into the environment the combined trait corn product containing events MON 89034, TC 1507, MON 88017 and DAS-59122-7 planted with a 5 per cent non-Bt refuge. This product has been developed by stacking the events with traditional breeding methods and possesses traits of insecticidal proteins for lepidopteran control and insecticidal proteins for corn rootworm control. The product also has traits for tolerance to glyphosate and glufosinate-ammonium herbicides. All single events have been approved 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 per cent non-Bt refuge strategy for this product, and has concluded that a conditional authorization until December 31, 2012, of the use of this refuge poses minimal risk to the environment. During the interim authorization, in addition to applicable terms and conditions applied to the individual events in the stacked product, the proponents are required to conduct field evaluation of corn rootworm adaptation to this product, including monitoring of actual emergence of susceptible and resistant corn rootworm adults in the field.

The CFIA acknowledges that the combination of events in SmartStax™ using an appropriately designed 5 per cent refuge is expected to provide better long-term effectiveness than current single event Bt corn products in the Canadian marketplace. 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 www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/bio/bt/bacthue.shtml

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