Drought Tolerant Genetically Modified Wheat is Clear for Import in the United States

By Julie Ingwersen and Tom Polansek

A type of genetically modified wheat developed by Argentina’s Bioceres Crop Solutions (BIOX.O), may be safely grown in the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Tuesday.

The determination clears the U.S. market for production of HB4 wheat, which is modified to tolerate drought, Bioceres said on Wednesday. It is a potential win for farmers grappling with drought and more severe weather, but risks pushback from some consumers and importers.

The United States, the world’s fourth-largest wheat producer, is the fourth country to allow production of HB4 wheat, following Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, Bioceres said.