Know Before You Grow Database Grows for 2007 (3-20-07)

As corn growers begin planting, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) reminds them of its valuable online database, Know Before You Grow. The resource is a cooperative effort between NCGA and seed companies to keep corn growers aware of the status of biotech seed hybrids.

“The Know Before You Grow database allows growers to check the status of hybrids before planting,” said Martin Barbre, chair of the Biotechnology Working Group. “Although all the hybrids available on KBYG have full U.S. regulatory approvals, some traits or combination of traits, may not be approved in each market. Ultimately growers need to ensure grain from these hybrids are marketed properly.”

NCGA’s policy on biotech hybrid planting and marketing states: “These events must also receive full approval by the relevant U.S. and Japanese regulatory agencies and the product registrant must be aggressively pursuing approval in every country or bloc that requires approval prior to importation of corn, corn products, or food containing corn ingredients.”

The database of seed hybrids and their approval status for export now stands at more than 4,800 from more than 75 seed companies. Know Before You Grow was created in 2001.

Finally, Barbre reminds growers who are planting Bt hybrids to plant the proper Insect Resistance Management refuges. More information on IRM refuge requirements can be found in the grower agreement or online at the Biotechnology section of the NCGA Web site.

The Know Before You Grow database can be found here.