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Syngenta Canada Inc.'s combined trait corn product containing events Bt11, DAS 1507, GA21 and MIR 162

Summary of the decision dated April 15, 2011:

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has reviewed Syngenta Canada Inc.'s notification of intent to release into the environment the combined trait corn product containing events Bt11, DAS 1507, GA21 and MIR 162 (SYN-BT011-1, DAS-01507-1, MON-00021-9 and SYN-IR162-4, respectively) planted with a 5% 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% 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 this combined trait corn product on April 15, 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% structured refuge strategy is expected to be at least as effective in delaying the development of resistant insects than cultivation of the individual single event Bt corn products with their respective structured refuge strategies. 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 16, 2012:

The CFIA has evaluated the potential impact on and risk to the environment of using a 5% 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 this combined trait corn product 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 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% blended refuge strategy is expected to be at least as effective in delaying the development of resistant insects as cultivation of the individual single event Bt corn products with their respective structured refuge strategies. 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
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plants-with-novel-traits/approved-under-review/eng/1300208455751/1300208520765

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

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