Release No. 0560.95

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

USDA RULES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED COTTON SAFE TO GROW

     Washington, July 13, 1995--The U.S. Department of Agriculture has
determined that the Monsanto Company's genetically engineered,
insect-resistant cotton lines designated as 531, 757, and 1076 will no longer
be considered regulated articles.

     "After reviewing information submitted by Monsanto, as well as other
relevant data and public comments, we have determined that these cotton lines
do not present a plant pest risk," Payne said.

     In November 1994, Monsanto Co., St. Louis, Mo., asked to produce the
requested genetically engineered cotton lines trademarked by Monsanto as
BollgardTM Cotton Lines without securing further USDA permits or acknowledged
notifications, according to John Payne, acting director of biotechnology,
biologics, and environmental protection for USDA's Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service.

     On Feb. 9, USDA published a notice in the Federal Register announcing
that the Monsanto petition had been received and was available for public
review.  USDA received 69 comments on the Monsanto petition from cotton
farmers, individuals, universities, agricultural experiment stations,
cooperative extension service offices, a bank, a chemical company, a cotton
researcher, a cotton cooperative association, a gas and oil supplier, and a
worker's compensation trust.  

     Sixty-eight commenters either provided information supporting
nonregulated status for the cotton lines or urged expedited approval to allow
commercial planting of the insect-resistant cotton.  One commenter cited
several issues for further consideration, without recommending approval or
denial of the petition.  

     The cotton lines were considered regulated articles because they contain
gene sequences derived from plant pathogens.  In cotton-growing locations
throughout the United States, cotton line 531 was evaluated under five permits
issued between 1991 and 1993, and cotton lines 757 and 1076 were tested under
six permits or 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 reviewers
focus on the biology, propagation, and cultivation of the plant.  The
reviewers examine the source of the engineered genes, the vector used to
transfer them, and the stability of the insertion.  

     An environmental assessment (EA) was prepared to examine the potential
environmental impacts associated with this determination.  Based on that EA,
APHIS reached a finding of no significant impact (FONSI).  Copies of the EA,
FONSI, determination, petition, and all written comments 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.  The environmental assessment and
determination is available also on the APHIS WEB at
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/BBEP/BP/.

     For further information, contact Keith Reding, 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 EA and FONSI, contact Kay Peterson at the same address
and telephone number.

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

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