Dive Brief:

Monsanto received USDA approval for a new GMO type of corn, MON 87411 maize.

The GMO corn " was developed to protect plants against corn rootworms that can damage roots and drag down grain yields and be tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate," Reuters reported.

The USDA concluded the corn did not pose a significant threat to agricultural crops, other plants, or the environment. Monsanto is still waiting on the EPA and FDA to finish reviews.

Dive Insight:

"Monsanto is planning a full commercial launch of its SmartStax PRO, a line of products featuring MON 87411 maize, by the end of the decade pending necessary regulatory approvals, the company said in a statement," according to Reuters.

Monsanto is requesting California lawmakers not label glyphosate — the main component of its Roundup herbicide — a cancer-causing agent, following a WHO report that said the chemical was probably carcinogenic.

In an unrelated announcement, the USDA will extend the comment period for a new GMO corn trait engineered by Syngenta AG's Syngenta Seeds Inc. by 30 days. That strain, MZHG0JG corn, is resistant to glyphosate and glufosinate, which is "an herbicide combination the company says will expand options for farmers battling the growing problem of weed resistance, but one that critics say will fuel the problem," Reuters reported.