In the GMO storm, Cui Yongyuan has become a presence that cannot be ignored, single-handedly delaying the legalization of China's genetically modified staple food for ten years, triggering tens of billions of dollars in international losses. This is not a simple economic data, but a profound story, a legend closely related to the Chinese table.
Over the past two decades, whenever Chinese have tasted imported genetically modified soybeans and corn, there has been a long wait for domestic legalization. China's seed companies already had mature GM varieties a decade ago, and Chinese farmers have been looking forward to growing higher-yielding, more worry-free GM crops two decades ago. However, the deliberate demagogy and misleading of some people have led to the whole society repeatedly obstructing the legalization of domestic genetically modified varieties.
The delaying battle has finally taken a turn in the near future. The Ministry of Agriculture has officially approved the first batch of domestically produced genetically modified corn and soybean varieties to produce and operate licenses, so that Chinese companies can finally compete with international giants for a share of the GM market with their technological prowess. This time, the 28 seed companies approved are all Chinese-funded enterprises, and the genetically modified varieties approved for marketing are all domestic intellectual property varieties.
For the average consumer, the types of genetically modified foods that will be available in the Chinese market in the future have also become clearer. From genetically modified papaya to soybean oil and soy products, to corn oil and corn products, as well as rapeseed oil and cottonseed oil, this time's legalization of domestic GM signals that Chinese will be able to enjoy a wider variety of GM foods in a legal way.
However, the legendary genetically modified rice, tomatoes, peppers, purple potatoes, etc., have not yet entered the ranks of legalization. This also means that even if GMO is legal, we still need to be patient before we can see more and more GMO products on the table.
On the question of whether genetically modified foods are safe, the article emphasizes that genetically modified products have been evaluated and approved for marketing, and are as safe as traditional agricultural products. Despite repeated remarks by the scientific and popular science communities over the years, voices of distrust remain. However, this answer is no longer so important. Believe it or not, Chinese have been eating genetically modified agricultural products for more than 20 years, and the world has more than 30 years of experience. Our lifespans are growing, but our lives haven't changed dramatically. With the advent of legalization, GMO products will be more widely involved in our lives, whether you agree with it or not, it is an irreversible trend.
Going back to the past, Cui Yongyuan single-handedly delayed the arrival of this trend, causing China to miss the opportunity to participate in the industry at an early date, allowing foreign capital to earn tens of billions of dollars more from China. However, it is also a moment of success, and his presence becomes a footnote in this period of change.
Overall, the historic breakthrough in the legalization of domestic genetically modified organisms not only provides equal market opportunities for Chinese seed companies and farmers, but also puts an end to a situation that has defied common sense for more than two decades. This time, China's agriculture will be strong because of the localization of GMOs, and Chinese will enjoy more diverse table choices because of legal GMOs. Whether it is supported or not, this situation is established and cannot be reversed. For China, this is the beginning of a new era of agriculture and technology, and Cui Yongyuan may be infamous in this new era.