2-15 FB Amylase Corn

 Is Syngenta’s genetically altered amylase corn next up for USDA approval?

In 2007, Syngenta, the world’s biggest maker of agrichemicals and plant seed, introduced the first enzyme-enhanced corn seed designed to cut the cost of the production of ethanol, into the US market.

Syngenta modified the seeds genetically to express high levels of a novel alpha-amylase enzyme—a thermal-tolerant digestive enzyme that turns the corn’s starch into sugar for ethanol. The company however never received USDA approval of the product because it was genetically modified. That may change with the USDA’s recent approval of GM alfalfa and sugar beets. Here’s Douglas R. Jones, Executive Director, Growers for Biotechnology, himself an Idaho sugar beet farmer: “The next decision you likely will see will be on amylase corn.”

The genetically engineered corn seeds don’t increase the yield, they just make it easier to process. Syngenta estimated that the high-amylase seeds could cut production costs by 10%.