Release No. 0559.95

                                   Cynthia A. Eck  (301) 734-5931
                                   Jerry Redding   (202) 720-6959

USDA RULES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CORN SAFE TO GROW

     WASHINGTON, July 13, 1995--The U.S. Department of Agriculture has
determined that corn genetically engineered for tolerance to the herbicide
glufosinate is safe to grow without further USDA permits or acknowledged
notifications.  The corn, produced by AgrEvo USA Company in Wilmington, Del.,
is known as "Glufosinate Resistant Corn Transformation Events T14 and T25."

     "Our determination is based on information submitted by AgrEvo, as well
as other relevant data and public comments," said John Payne, acting director
of biotechnology, biologics, and environmental protection for USDA's Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service.

     GRC Events T14 and T25 were regulated because they are genetically
engineered with a stably integrated gene that encodes the enzyme conferring
resistance to herbicides in the phosphinothricin class.  GRC Events T14 and
T25 were evaluated in field trials conducted under APHIS permits in 1992 and
1993 and under APHIS notifications in 1993 and 1994.  

     Payne said that USDA has the responsibility to assure that, in releasing
any bioengineered plant, no plant pest risk is presented.  APHIS scientists
focus on the biology, propagation, and cultivation of the plant.  The
scientists examine the source of the engineered genes, the vector used to
transfer them, and the stability of the insertion.  

     The determination, an environmental assessment and finding of no
significant impact, the petition, and all written comments received regarding
the petition may be inspected at USDA, Room 1141, South Building, 14th Street
and Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except holidays.  Persons wishing to inspect those
documents are asked to call (202) 690-2817 in advance of visiting.

     For further information, contact David Heron, biotechnologist,
biotechnology permits, BBEP, APHIS, USDA, 4700 River Road, Unit 147,
Riverdale, Md. 20737-1237; (301) 734-7612.  To obtain a copy of the
determination or the environmental assessment and finding of no significant
impact, contact Kay Peterson at the same address and telephone number.  The
environmental assessment and determination are also available on the APHIS WEB
at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/BBEP/BP/.

     Notice of this action is published in the July 13 Federal Register and
became effective on June 22.

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