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Argentina is first country to approve GMO wheat

Argentina is the first country to approve genetically modified wheat.

The country’s ag ministry has approved a drought-resistant HB4 GMO wheat event developed by biotechnology firm Bioceres.  The company says commercialization of the GMO wheat is contingent upon import approval in Brazil, which purchases just over 85 percent of its wheat from Argentina.

Bioceres says HB4 seed varieties, in research trials, have increased wheat yields by 20%, on average, during growing seasons impacted by droughts.

Past efforts to develop and market GMO wheat in the U.S. have run into resistance over consumer concerns with GMOs.

Link to Bioceres news release