USDA Approves Corn Modified For Improved Ethanol Output

Syngenta announced today it has received full deregulation for its corn amylase trait from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is the first genetically modified output trait in corn for the ethanol industry. By enabling expression of an optimized alpha-amylase enzyme directly in corn, dry grind ethanol production can be improved in a way that can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure. Syngenta will sell corn seed with the amylase trait as Enogen corn seed.

"Enogen corn seed offers growers an opportunity to cultivate a premium specialty crop. It is a breakthrough product that provides U.S. ethanol producers with a proven means to generate more gallons of ethanol from their existing facilities," said Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer. "Enogen corn also reduces the energy and water consumed in the production process while substantially reducing carbon emissions."

Enogen corn seed will be available from the coming growing season. This year, Syngenta plans to work with a small number of ethanol plants and corn growers in close proximity and prepare for larger scale commercial introduction in 2012. Production of Enogen corn will be managed by Syngenta using a contracted, closed production system.

The corn amylase trait in Enogen has already been approved for import into Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia and Taiwan, and for cultivation in Canada.