Objection against general release of three 2,4-D GM maize varieties:

1. Corteva’s 2,4-D herbicide tolerant maize: DAS-40278-9

2. Corteva’s Stacked 2,4-D and glyphosate herbicide tolerant maize: NK603 x DAS-40278-9

3. Corteva’s Stacked 2,4-D, glyphosate and glufosinate herbicide tolerant, and Bt insecticidal maize: MON89034 x TC1507 x NK603 x DAS-40278-9

The objection is in relation to the general release applications of Corteva (previously Dow AgroSciences) of three GM maize varieties and their associated pesticides – the Agent Orange war chemical 2,4-D, as well as glyphosate, glufosinate and quizalofop – due to concerns surrounding the unacceptable biosafety risks they pose to human health and the environment. If approved, South African farmers will for the first time be cultivating GM maize seed with 2,4-D.

The ACB firmly rejects the approval of the three varieties of GM maize to enter South Africa for general release, based on inadequate evidence of safety to both human health and the environment, as well as concerns over socio-economic impacts they will have over the people of South Africa.

We urge that the authorities take a precautionary approach in rejecting these varieties to protect people and the environment.

For the ACB’s full objection sent to the Department of Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), please click here.

For ACB’s PRESS RELEASE on this application, here is the link.

Here are links to the objections made by other organisations to this application:

  1. Community Alliance for Global Justice Objection
  2. National Family Farm Coalition Objection
  3. Pesticide Action Network North America Objection

Here are links to previous ACB publications and submissions that pertain to 2,4-D: