Pioneer's Herbicide-Proof Corn Petitions for Regulatory Escape
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
Pioneer Hi-Bred International wants the USDA to say their new genetically engineered corn, which fights certain bugs and tolerates specific herbicides, is safe and doesn’t need special rules. The USDA is sharing the petition and a risk report for everyone to check out and comment on by April 20, 2026. This could change how farmers grow corn and what products hit the market, possibly saving time and money.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19532, Amendments To Import Requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The USDA is proposing to shorten the waiting time for importing live birds and bird products from 90 days to 28 days after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This change helps foreign exporters get back to business faster while keeping the U.S. safe from bird flu. If you’re involved in bird imports, get ready to comment by November 23, 2026, and watch for updates that could speed up trade without extra costs.
2025-04813, Horse Protection Amendments; Further Delay of Effective Date, and Request for Comment
The USDA is pushing back new horse protection rules from April 2025 to February 2026 to give everyone more time to get ready. This affects horse owners, trainers, and event organizers who need to follow these updated rules to keep horses safe and sound. They’re also asking for your thoughts on whether this delay should be even longer, so speak up by May 20, 2025!
2025-01836, Horse Protection Amendments; Postponement of Regulations
The USDA is delaying new horse protection rules that were set to start on February 1, 2025, pushing them back 60 days to April 2, 2025. These rules affect horse shows, exhibitions, and sales by requiring trained inspectors to catch soring, a harmful practice. This delay gives everyone more time to get ready without changing any fees or costs.
2026-20630, Cut Flowers Regulations; Removal of Chrysanthemum White Rust-Related Provisions
Starting November 9, 2026, fresh cut flowers from Chrysanthemum and related plants can be imported without special restrictions tied to chrysanthemum white rust. This change affects importers by making flower import rules simpler and faster, moving details to an easy-to-update USDA database. No extra costs or delays are expected, just smoother flower trade and fewer red tapes!
2026-20631, Notice of Decision To Deregulate Chrysanthemum White Rust and the Importation of Chrysanthemum spp. Cuttings, and In Vitro Plantlets, and Synonymous Taxa From Certain Countries Into the Continental United States
The USDA has decided to deregulate Chrysanthemum White Rust and will allow the import of chrysanthemum cuttings and plantlets from certain countries starting November 9, 2026. This change means growers and plant sellers can bring these plants into the U.S. without extra quarantine worries, as experts found no risk of spreading harmful pests. This update helps the plant industry grow while keeping U.S. gardens safe and healthy.
2026-19237, Bayer U.S.-Crop Science: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Herbicide Resistant MON 96012 Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Bayer U.S.-Crop Science wants the green light to grow a new type of cotton that resists several herbicides, making weed control easier for farmers. The USDA is reviewing this request and asking the public to share their thoughts by November 20, 2026. If approved, this could change farming practices and possibly save money on weed management.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03149, Alaska Native Claims Selection
The Bureau of Land Management is officially approving the transfer of about 1,085 acres of land near Flat, Alaska, to Doyon, Limited, an Alaska Native corporation. This decision lets Doyon own both the surface and underground rights to these lands, with some public access rules still in place. If anyone thinks they have a claim on this land, they have a limited time to appeal the decision.
Next: 2026-03152, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Insect Resistant and Herbicide-Tolerant DAS-01131-3 Maize (Corn)
Pioneer Hi-Bred International wants the USDA to say their new genetically engineered corn, which fights certain bugs and tolerates a popular weed killer, is safe and doesn’t need special rules. The USDA is sharing the petition and a safety check for everyone to review and comment on before April 20, 2026. This could speed up growing and selling this corn, helping farmers and possibly saving money on pest control.