The Argentine government has approved the commercialisation of a genetically modified (GM) soyabean with resistance to lepidopteran insects and tolerance to glufosinate ammonium, Biofuels Digest wrote, citing a report by local newspaper Economis.
The GM soyabean DBN-Ø82Ø5-8, developed by DBNBC Argentina, was approved by the Ministry of Economy through Resolution 169/2025 of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, the 14 September report said.
The seed could be marketed and planted throughout the country following submission of an Insect Resistance Management Plan and registration in the National Registry of Cultivars, Economis wrote on 8 September.
Soyabeans were Argentina’s main export commodity, generating more than 25% of the country's foreign exchange, and the approval of the GM soyabean would boost competitiveness with other soyabean-producing countries such as Brazil and the USA, the report said.
Although the domestic use of varieties resistant to insects and herbicides could reduce production costs and improve yields, it also revived debate within the country on the use of agrochemicals, sustainable management and acceptance in international markets, Economis wrote.
The resolution stressed that the product was “as safe as any other commercial soyabean” and did not compromise access to export markets, although its adoption would be subject to approval in the main buying destinations, such as the European Union (EU) and China.
The approval added to a growing trend of authorisations of GM crops in Argentina, which already had more than 60 events approved in soyabeans, corn and cotton, the report said.
