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Pioneer Hi-Bred Production Ltd.'s combined trait corn product containing events DAS-01507-1, MON-00810-6 and MON-00603-6

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Summary of the decision dated January 17, 2011:

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has reviewed 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 structured refuge of non-lepidopteran resistant corn. This combined trait corn product has been developed by stacking the events using traditional breeding methods and possesses traits for lepidopteran control, as well for tolerance to glyphosate and glufosinate-ammonium herbicides. All single events have been authorized for use in food and livestock feed and for unconfined environmental release in Canada.

The CFIA has evaluated the potential impact on and risk to the environment of using a 5 per cent structured non-lepidopteran resistant refuge strategy for this product, and has concluded that the use of this refuge strategy poses minimal risk to the environment. The CFIA therefore authorized the use of this refuge strategy for the combined trait corn product containing events DAS-01507-1, MON-00810-6 and MON-00603-6 on January 17, 2011. As a part of this authorization, the proponent is required to implement an insect resistance management (IRM) plan.

The CFIA concluded that cultivation of this corn product with an appropriately designed 5 per cent structured refuge strategy is expected to be more effective in delaying the development of resistant insects than cultivation of the individual single event Bt corn products with a 20 per cent structured refuge strategy. 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.

Summary of the decision dated July 18, 2011:

The CFIA has evaluated the potential impact on and risk to the environment of using a 5 per cent blended non-lepidopteran resistant refuge strategy for this product and has concluded that the use of this refuge strategy for a time-limited period poses minimal risk to the environment. Consequently, the time-limited environmental release of the combined trait corn product containing events DAS-01507-1, MON-00810-6 and MON-00603-6 using this refuge strategy is authorized. In addition to the implementation of the IRM requirements specific to this product, during the interim authorization the proponent is required to conduct additional field evaluations including further research on the effect of the blended refuge strategy on European corn borer.

The CFIA concluded that cultivation of this corn product with an appropriately designed 5 per cent blended refuge strategy is expected to be more effective in delaying the development of resistant insects than cultivation of the individual single event Bt corn products with a 20 per cent structured refuge strategy. 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 can be found on stewardship of Bt crops on the CFIA web site.

For more information, please contact the Plant Biosafety Office.

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