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3 clusters · 5 sources · 48 days · First seen · Last updated

Mexico RNA-based biofungicide registration and use

Overview

Mexico has become the first country to register and commercialize a fungicide based on RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Developed by GreenLight Biosciences for use on grape crops, the product received approval from Cofepris on August 12, with a permit valid until June 2031.

The registration followed a nine-month fast-track evaluation by Mexican regulatory bodies, including Cofepris, Senasica, and Semarnat. To support this technology, GreenLight Biosciences plans to invest between $50 million and $100 million to establish a large-scale manufacturing plant in Mexico City. The company has also indicated plans to submit at least 10 additional products to Cofepris in the coming years, including acaricides and herbicides.

While the technology is intended to provide a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides by reducing residues in soil and water, its approval has met with criticism. Health and food alliances have raised concerns regarding the speed of the evaluation and a lack of shared information regarding regulatory procedures for genetically modified bacteria used in production. Opponents have also questioned the specificity of RNA sequences and the potential for unintended damage to biodiversity, noting that the technology might affect non-target organisms, such as beneficial insects, plants, or other fungi. Meanwhile, the European Union continues to debate the long-term safety of RNAi technology.

Entities

GreenLight Biosciences · Cofepris · Senasica · Mexico · SEMARNAT

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Mexico approves first RNAi-based fungicide

    Mexico is the first nation to commercialize an RNAi-based fungicide after Cofepris approved a product from GreenLight Biosciences, sparking debate over regulatory speed and environmental safety.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Mexico approves commercial use of RNA-based biological fungicide

    Mexico has approved the commercial use of a genetically engineered RNAi fungicide from GreenLight Biosciences, sparking concerns over potential impacts on biodiversity and beneficial organisms.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Mexico registers world's first RNA-based biofungicide

    Mexico has registered the world's first RNA-based biofungicide. GreenLight Biosciences will invest up to $100 million in a Mexico City plant to produce these sustainable crop protection solutions.

Sources

consultorsalud.com · desdeabajo.info · eldemocrata.com · gba.gob.ar · plataformatierra.es

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history