Argentine Company First to Sell GM Wheat Seeds

Bioceres Crop Solutions has begun sales of genetically modified (GM) wheat seeds in Argentina, the first time the technology has been commercially available to farmers anywhere in the world. After years of tests followed by planting under pilot agreements between Bioceres and a small number of farmers, the company has started distributing seeds to agricultural input retail companies in Argentina.

Bioceres developed HB4 GM wheat to resist drought and says the seed yields around 20% more crop than a conventional seed during droughts.

Bioceres’ GM wheat is approved for planting in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay at this time. Processing and use of the grain is approved in more countries, the company said, including the United States.

Tags: crop, Argentina, GM, genetically modified wheat, Bioceres Crop Solutions, drought