USDA Seeks Public Comment on Three Petitions to Deregulate Corn 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 three petitions to deregulate corn developed using genetic engineering. Specifically, the corn varieties were developed to resist damage caused by lepidopteran pests, and two of them also include herbicide resistance. Two petitions are from Pioneer Hi-Bred and one petition is from Syngenta.

The public will have 60 days to review and provide comments on the petitions and APHIS’ evaluation documents. To view the notice and submit comments, visit https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search field, enter the following docket numbers:

• APHIS-2025-1033 for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., 910521-2 Maize (Corn)
• APHIS-2025-1034 for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., DAS-01131-3 Maize (Corn)
• APHIS-2025-1035 for Syngenta Seeds, LLC, MZIR260 Maize (Corn)

Commenters are encouraged to submit scientific data, studies, or research to support their comments.

These documents and Federal Register notice will be available on the Regulations.gov website on February 18, 2026. APHIS will accept and consider comments received by April 20, 2026.