Approval of Biotech Events in Taiwan Creates Opportunity for U.S. Corn. Syngenta Taiwan Ltd. received approvals for four stacked-trait biotech corn products from the Taiwanese Department of Health (DOH) this month. With this most recent approval, the DOH has gained approval for eleven stacked-trait biotech corn products in total, including eight events of 2-way stack, two events of 3-way stack and one event of 4-way stack. The U.S. Grains Council-sponsored biotech team that traveled to the United States last year aided in supporting the events’ approval with the DOH and the Genetically Modified Food Advisory Committee (GMFAC). According to Clover Chang, USGC director in Taiwan, industry highly appreciated the Council’s help in organizing the team and coordinating the meetings with related government officials and committee members of the GMFAC for these approvals. He emphasized the team visit provided the unique opportunity for life science companies to discuss protocols with the members of GMFAC face-to-face and helped the team members acquire a better understanding of the management of stacked-trait biotech products in the United States. Chang said, “The latest approval of stacked events should undoubtedly help smooth the import process for U.S. corn.” Taiwan imported 446,149 metric tons of feed grains in July 2009 compared to 360,148 tons in July 2008. Corn imports in July 2009 reached 423,955 tons (16.7 million bushels), an increase from 355,892 tons (14 million bushels) in July 2008.

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