USDA Deregulates Corn Developed Using Genetic Engineering To Resist Certain Pests

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Cob of corn off of stalk

WASHINGTON, September 26, 2025—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is deregulating Bayer U.S. -Crop Science (Bayer) MON 95379 corn. This corn was developed using genetic engineering to resist feeding damage caused by certain pests (e.g., fall armyworm, sugarcane borer, and corn earworm). After a thorough review, APHIS has determined that MON 95379 is unlikely to pose a greater plant pest risk than the nonmodified comparator and therefore is no longer subject to our regulation governing the introduction of certain organisms developed using genetic engineering.

Our determination is based on our evaluation of the following:

  • Information and data Bayer submitted in its petition for deregulation
  • Available scientific data
  • Public comments received in response to previous notices announcing the availability of the petition and draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA)

We are publishing the Determination of Nonregulated Status, final PPRA, and our response to public comments on the PPRA. These documents support APHIS’ review and analysis of any potential plant pest impacts associated with deregulating MON 95379 corn.

These documents and the Federal Register notice will be available on the Regulations.gov website Monday, September 29, 2025 at www.regulations.gov/docket/APHIS-2020-0113/document. 

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