🌸USDA's Nonregulated Status Determination for Genetically Engineered Orchid
We are advising the public of our determination that ISK- 311NR-4 phalaenopsis (moth orchid), which was developed using genetic engineering to produce a blue-purple flower color, is no longer considered regulated. Our determination is based on our evaluation of information and data Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Limited submitted in its petition for a determination of nonregulated status, available scientific data, the plant pest risk assessment, and public comments received in response to a previous notice announcing the availability of the petition for nonregulated status and a draft plant pest risk assessment. This notice announces the availability of our written determination and supporting documents.
Learn More🌱APHIS Withdraws EIS Notices for Genetically Engineered Organisms
This notice advises the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is withdrawing notices of intent to prepare environmental impact statements for two petitions seeking determinations of nonregulated status for organisms developed using genetic engineering. APHIS' decision to withdraw the notices of intent is consistent with APHIS' July 9, 2025 Program Update that as of that date, APHIS will no longer prepare an analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act to accompany its review of petitions seeking a determination of nonregulated status. This document provides public notice of this withdrawal.
Learn More🌱Availability of Draft EIS for Blight-Tolerant American Chestnut
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a revised draft environmental impact statement (EIS) and revised draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) evaluating the potential environmental impacts and plant pest risk that may result from the approval of a petition for nonregulated status for blight-tolerant American chestnut (Castanea dentata) from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The trees have been developed using genetic engineering to express an oxalate oxidase enzyme from wheat as a defense against the fungal pathogen Cryphonectria parasitica, making American chestnut tolerant to chestnut blight. Based on a revised petition submitted by the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, we have revised the draft EIS and draft PPRA. We are making the revised petition, revised draft EIS, and revised draft PPRA available for public review and comment.
Learn More🌽Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Bayer Corn Available for Comment
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a draft plant pest risk assessment and draft environmental assessment regarding a petition from Bayer U.S.- Crop Science seeking a determination of nonregulated status for maize (corn) event MON 95379 which has been developed using genetic engineering to produce two insecticidal proteins to protect against feeding damage caused by target lepidopteran pests. We are making the draft plant pest risk assessment, and draft environmental assessment available for public review and comment.
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