On Dec. 30, 2024, the Government of China announced it had approved five gene-edited crop varieties and 12 types of genetically modified (GM) soybean, corn and cotton, expanding approvals to boost high-yield crops, reduce import reliance, and ensure food security.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs awarded safety certificates to the 17 crop varieties. The approved gene-edited crops include two soybean varieties, and one each of wheat, corn, and rice.

The approved varieties included seeds from Beijing-based feed group Dabeinong and China National Seed Group, a subsidiary of seeds and pesticides maker Syngenta Group. China also authorized the import of an insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM soybean variety from the German chemicals firm BASF exclusively as a processing material, the ministry added.