Deregulation of Gene-Edited Plants by USDA APHIS in 2024

On June 27, 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the deregulation of 2 gene-edited camelina, 1 gene-edited rice, 3 gene-edited soybeans, and 1 gene-edited cowpea.

The 2 gene-edited camelina were developed by the U.S. company CoverCress and have reduced levels of erucic acid, fiber, and glucosinolates in the seeds. The 1 gene-edited rice was developed by the U.S. company Hjelle Advisors and has increased protein content in the seeds.

One gene-edited soybean was developed by the South Korean company Toolgen and has increased oleic acid and reduced linoleic acid content. Another 2 gene-edited soybeans were developed by the U.S. company Inari and have shorter growth periods, larger and more numerous seeds, and increased root nodulation.

The 1 gene-edited cowpea was developed by the Israeli company Better Seeds and has earlier flowering.

Through risk assessments, APHIS determined that these gene-edited plants are unlikely to pose higher plant pest risks compared to their non-regulated counterparts. As a result, APHIS deregulated them, though they remain subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration.