Dear BRS Stakeholder,

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has preliminarily determined that it will extend deregulation to two lines of genetically engineered (GE) potatoes developed by J.R. Simplot Company for late blight resistance, low acrylamide potential, reduced black spot bruising, and lowered reducing sugars. APHIS previously reviewed and deregulated these GE traits in other GE potatoes. We have prepared a plant pest risk similarity assessment (PPRSA), preliminary finding of no significant impact (FONSI), and a preliminary determination of nonregulated status that will be available for a 30-day public review and comment period upon publication in the Federal Register on September 23, 2016. APHIS will consider all public comments received on or before October 24, 2016.

A copy of the extension request, supporting documents, and a link to provide public comments can be found on the News and Information page of the BRS website.