Pioneer Hi-Bred Production Ltd.'s stacked corn product containing events DAS-01507-1, MON-00810-6 and MON-00603-6 (Optimum Intrasect)

The CFIA has reviewed a Pioneer Hi-Bred Production Ltd.'s notification of intent to release into the environment the combined trait corn product containing events DAS-01507-1, MON-00810-6 and MON-00603-6 planted with a 5 per cent non-lepidopteran resistant refuge. This product has been developed by stacking the events using traditional breeding methods and possesses traits of insecticidal proteins for lepidopteran 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-lepidopteran resistantrefuge strategy for this product, and has concluded that an authorization of the use of this refuge poses minimal risk to the environment. As a part of the authorization, the proponents are required to implement an insect resistance management (IRM) plan.

The CFIA acknowledges that the combination of events in this stack 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.