Chinese officials issued a warning to seed dealers and farmers not to use unapproved genetically engineered seeds following a Greenpeace report that found widespread GM contamination in corn. China permits the import of GMO crops for animal feed but does not allow the cultivation of genetically modified crops. The Chinese public widely opposes genetically modified crops, despite billions spent on research into biotechnology by China, and despite a deal by ChemChina to purchase Syngenta. China is the world’s largest grain producer and consumer but places a heavy strain on its fragmented farm section to feed its near 1.4 billion people.

The 12 member nations included in the Trans-Pacific Partnership now must roll up their sleeves and work on gaining approval of the massive trade deal. The deal signed last week following five years of negotiations must be approved by the governments of each country involved in the agreement. Congress has vowed to look at every detail of the 5,000 some page agreement, and many key lawmakers are currently opposed to the deal. Trade negotiators warn delaying the deal would be costly to the U.S. regarding economics and world leadership.

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