Monsanto gets ok for GM imports into China

KANSAS CITY - Monsanto says it has received final safety certificates from the Chinese government for the import of genetically modified soybeans, corn and cotton.

China had been allowing imports of Monsanto's biotech soybeans for the last two years under an interim procedure. The issuance of final safety certificates should provide for a more stable trade in the biotech beans, known as Roundup Ready, Monsanto said.

Along with the safety certificates for the soybeans, which are engineered to tolerate applications of Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, China issued certificates allowing for the import of Roundup Ready corn and cotton, as well as types of corn and cotton modified to resist insect pests.

The St Louis company said it also hopes Chinese authorities will make a decision "in the near future" on Roundup Ready Canola and on new versions of biotech corn.

- REUTERS