ISAAA GM Approval Database: Mapping Updates from Global Biotech Crop Approvals
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The ISAAA GM Approval Database (GMAD) is a comprehensive database that tracks and compiles information on genetically modified (GM) crops that have been approved for planting and importation for food and feed, and commercialization across the globe. This database is a helpful tool for researchers, policymakers, professionals, and the public in providing detailed information about biotech events with a brief description, trait, developer, and year of approval for cultivation.
GMAD recorded a total of 1,149,332 monthly visits from November 2023 to July 2024, with April having the highest monthly visit of 168,332. Through this database, stakeholders including researchers, students, and the general public stay informed about the latest developments in agri-biotechnology in terms of the adoption and commercialization of GM crops.
For the past few years, the database has been cited in various journal publications, such as Frontiers in Plant Science, ScienceDirect, Nature, Wiley, Cell Press, GM Crops & Food, Journal of Science Communication, and Oxford Academic. GMAD has also been used by different organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the National Institutes of Health, the National Biosafety Authority of Kenya, the Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago, and the Food Standards Agency UK.
Key Insights from the GM Approval Database
GMAD has a total of 614 approvals, with maize having the most number of approvals (290 events), followed by cotton with 72 events, and potato with 52 events. From December 2023 to August 2024, the European Union had the highest number of approvals (52 approvals), with 26 approvals for food and 26 approvals for feed.
The majority of the approved events this year (37.6%) had stacked traits of herbicide tolerance and insect resistance. This indicates the preference of farmers for stacked traits which offer greater benefits such as an increase in yield while lowering production costs. The stress tolerance trait is also starting to gain traction in terms of approvals. The increasing number of stacked traits with herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, and stress tolerance could be in response to the more pronounced dry spells in recent years.
Among the 614 events, here are some of the latest GM crop approvals included in GMAD:
- Bt cotton in the Philippines
On August 24, 2023, the Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) issued a Biosafety Permit for the Commercial Propagation of Bt cotton (GFM cry1A) developed by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA). Bt cotton is a GM crop resistant to bollworm, a pest causing devastating effects to cotton plants. Field trials demonstrated an increase in boll harvests and reduced use of pesticides. The increase in cotton yield significantly contributes to farmer productivity and income.
- GM sugarcane in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Federal Environment Protection Agency (EPA) approved two varieties of GM sugarcane for commercial planting in June 2024. These sugarcane varieties are insect resistant (CABB-IRS) and herbicide tolerant (CABB-HTS), which were developed by Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). Pakistan’s GM sugarcane is the first GM crop permitted for large-scale cultivation in the country.
- GE purple tomato in the United States
On February 6, 2024, Norfolk Healthy Produce announced the online seed sales of high-antioxidant purple tomatoes. This genetically engineered (GE) tomato contains anthocyanins, similar to blueberries, blackberries, and eggplants, which produce tomatoes with purple antioxidants in the flesh and skin. This first and only purple-fleshed tomato is developed by Cathie Martin, Professor at the University of East Anglia and Founder of Norfolk Plant Sciences, Ltd.
Photo Source: Norfolk Healthy Produce - GM banana in Australia
On February 16, 2024, the Australian Government issued license DIR 199 to the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to commercially release QCAV-4, the world’s first GM banana to be approved for commercial production. QCAV-4 banana is the first GM fruit approved for growing in the country. It was developed in partnership with government and industry to resist Panama Disease tropical race 4 (TR4), a wilting disease that causes severe threat to the banana industry.
Photo Source: Queensland University of Technology - GM maize in Nigeria
Earlier this year, the Federal Government of Nigeria approved the commercial release of TELA Maize, GM maize varieties developed to resist stem-borer and fall armyworm pests and tolerate drought stress conditions. These GM maize varieties resulted in up to 10 tonnes yield advantage per hectare. The four varieties approved are SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T, and SAMMAZ 75T.
Photo Credit: Africa Science Dialogue
Contributions and Influence of GM Approval Database
GMAD builds consumer confidence and trust through data transparency. This database allows consumers to have access to accurate information about approved GM crops, enabling them to make informed decisions and choices. By staying informed about these approvals, consumers can be assured that the GM products available to them have undergone rigorous safety evaluations and assessments by trusted regulatory agencies in their countries.
Monitoring GM crop approvals also supports research and policymaking. Data from GMAD guides future research initiatives and policy development that addresses various public concerns toward biotechnology. The information from the database helps countries understand global trends and ensure that their policies are not only evidence-based but also aligned with international standards.
Researchers, policymakers, and the general public use the database to shape the future of biotech developments and regulatory strategies. GMAD serves as a valuable resource for educating the public and addressing issues concerning the release of GM crops. These reasons collectively underscore the importance of a comprehensive monitoring of GM crop approvals, ensuring that agri-biotech innovations are safe and beneficial to society at large.
Visit the ISAAA GM Approval Database to use its features and functions. New entries may be submitted through this form. For more updates, subscribe to Biotech Updates.
For further reading:
- Highlights from the GM Approval Database
- ISAAA GM Approval Database Keeps Track of Global Regulatory Approvals
- ISAAA Subscribers Give High Ratings to E-newsletter, GM Approval Database, and Adoption Report
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