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Import and processing of the genetically modified dicamba and glyphosate tolerant soybean line MON87708xMON89788

Advisory reports | 10.12.2013 | CGM/131210-02

The present notification (EFSA/GMO/NL/2012/108) concerns import and processing for use in feed and food of the genetically modified soybean line MON87708 × MON89788. Cultivation is not part of this notification.
Soybean line MON87708 × MON89788 line expresses a dicamba mono-oxygenase and a variant of the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase enzyme conferring tolerance to dicamba and glyphosate containing herbicides, respectively.
MON87708 × MON89788 was produced by means of conventional breeding of the two genetically modified parental soybean lines. Previously, COGEM issued a positive advice on the import and processing of both parental lines.
In Europe, there are no wild relatives of soybean and therefore, hybridisation with other species is not possible. Soybean does not possess any of the attributes commonly associated with problematic weeds such as seed shattering, dormancy and cold resistance. Establishment of feral soybean populations has never been observed in Europe. In addition, soybean volunteers are rarely observed throughout the world and do not effectively compete with other cultivated plants, weeds or primary colonisers.
COGEM considers the appended general surveillance (GS) plan sufficient for import of MON87708 × MON89788. However, the GS plan could be improved on a number of points.
In view of the above, COGEM is of the opinion that incidental spillage of MON87708 × MON89788 poses a negligible risk to the environment. Since 2008, COGEM abstains from giving advice on the potential risks of incidental consumption in case a food/feed assessment is already carried out by other organisations.
COGEM considers the environmental risks associated with import and processing of soybean line MON87708 × MON89788 to be negligible.

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