ARDEN HILLS, Minn. (March 23, 2023) – Forage Genetics International (FGI) announces that China, in its annual review of genetically modified crops, has recently approved Forage Genetics International’s Roundup Ready® Alfalfa. The announcement marks the first time that genetically modified alfalfa has been approved for import by China, one of the world’s biggest agriculture markets, delivering a huge opportunity for U.S. growers.
“This approval is a monumental step forward in providing American farmers access to a valuable export market in support of global food security,” said Dave Whalen, director of regulatory affairs and quality assurance at Forage Genetics International. “The announcement is also welcome progress for the alfalfa industry as a whole, representing the culmination of decades of research and more than 12 years of regulatory work from FGI on behalf of alfalfa growers.”
The import approval of Roundup Ready Alfalfa is just one approval that FGI has been working on to expand new market opportunities for hay growers and exporters. Work is also underway to gain approval for HarvXtra®, Alfalfa, though it is not yet cleared for import to China. “We’re hopeful that the Roundup Ready approval will pave the way for HarvXtra Alfalfa approval, which will open additional export potential for forage growers,” said Whalen.
To learn more about Forage Genetics International or Roundup Ready Alfalfa, visit foragegenetics.com. For information on other genetically modified crops included in the approval, read the Voluntary Report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
About Forage Genetics International
Forage Genetics International (FGI) is a leading provider of alfalfa seed, genetics and traits. For more than 30 years, FGI has influenced the alfalfa industry with innovative genetic discoveries, variety developments and cutting-edge technologies such as HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology and the UltraCutÔ alfalfa disease package. Today, FGI continues to relentlessly pursue advancement in the forage industry.
For the 2023 growing seasons, growers must direct any product produced from HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology seed or crops (including hay and hay products) only to US. domestic use. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product.
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Roundup Ready® and Roundup® are trademarks of Bayer, used under license by Forage Genetics International, LLC. HarvXtra® and UltaCutTM are trademarks of Forage Genetics International, LLC. HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology is enabled with Technology from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
“This approval is a monumental step forward in providing American farmers access to a valuable export market in support of global food security,” said Dave Whalen, director of regulatory affairs and quality assurance at Forage Genetics International. “The announcement is also welcome progress for the alfalfa industry as a whole, representing the culmination of decades of research and more than 12 years of regulatory work from FGI on behalf of alfalfa growers.”
The import approval of Roundup Ready Alfalfa is just one approval that FGI has been working on to expand new market opportunities for hay growers and exporters. Work is also underway to gain approval for HarvXtra®, Alfalfa, though it is not yet cleared for import to China. “We’re hopeful that the Roundup Ready approval will pave the way for HarvXtra Alfalfa approval, which will open additional export potential for forage growers,” said Whalen.
To learn more about Forage Genetics International or Roundup Ready Alfalfa, visit foragegenetics.com. For information on other genetically modified crops included in the approval, read the Voluntary Report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
About Forage Genetics International
Forage Genetics International (FGI) is a leading provider of alfalfa seed, genetics and traits. For more than 30 years, FGI has influenced the alfalfa industry with innovative genetic discoveries, variety developments and cutting-edge technologies such as HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology and the UltraCutÔ alfalfa disease package. Today, FGI continues to relentlessly pursue advancement in the forage industry.
For the 2023 growing seasons, growers must direct any product produced from HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology seed or crops (including hay and hay products) only to US. domestic use. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product.
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Roundup Ready® and Roundup® are trademarks of Bayer, used under license by Forage Genetics International, LLC. HarvXtra® and UltaCutTM are trademarks of Forage Genetics International, LLC. HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology is enabled with Technology from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
