Oversight of GMO crop samples to be strengthened in China

May 6, 2014

BEIJING - Genetically modified organism (GMO) research groups in China will strengthen supervision of GMO samples following an alleged case of theft at a research base in Hainan province. A notice from the Ministry of Agriculture said stealing the country's GMO technology and seed samples could cause irreparable damage, and that research organisations must pay close attention to this threat.

The notice requires GMO research bases to enhance management and supervision of people and vehicles accessing their premises. It was issued after two activists from Greenpeace allegedly collected three packets of seeds and leaves at a research base at Huazhong Agricultural University in Hainan last month. Greenpeace denied the accusation.

GMO foods are viewed with suspicion in China, with many believing they pose health risks. However, as pressure on China’s agriculture system increases, the Government has been working to develop its own GMO technology, rather than allowing GMO imports. Several GMO crops, including soybeans, corn, rapeseed, cotton and beets, have been granted import certification, but only for animal feed and not for human consumption.