USDA Seeks Public Comment on Petition to Deregulate Insect Resistant Soybean Developed Using Genetic Engineering

Contact: APHISPress

Washington, D.C., February 17, 2026—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites public comment on a petition from Bayer CropScience LLC to deregulate a soybean developed using genetic engineering. The soybean variety is resistant to damage caused by lepidopteran pests.

The public will have 60 days to review and comment on the petition and draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment (PPRA). APHIS encourages submission of scientific data, studies, or research in support of comments.

Beginning February 18, 2026, members of the public can submit comments through April 20, 2026, on the petition and draft PPRA by going to www.regulations.gov and entering “APHIS-2026-0166” into the Search field.