Core Viewpoint - Cibus, Inc. has received regulatory confirmation from Ecuador's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock that its herbicide tolerance traits in rice (HT1 and HT3) are equivalent to those developed through conventional breeding, allowing for further product development and commercialization in Ecuador [1][2][3] Company Overview - Cibus is a leading agricultural technology company focused on developing and licensing plant traits to seed companies, utilizing its Rapid Trait Development System™ (RTDS) to enable targeted genetic changes without recombinant DNA [2][5] - The company aims to address critical productivity and sustainability challenges for farmers, with a long-term focus on major global row crops such as canola, rice, and soybean [5] Regulatory Developments - The Ecuadorian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has determined that Cibus' HT1 and HT3 rice traits can proceed with registration and commercialization under existing laws, avoiding restrictions that apply to transgenic plants [2][4] - This regulatory decision is expected to facilitate the introduction of Cibus' herbicide tolerance traits in Latin American markets through partnerships with companies like Interoc [3][4] Market Implications - Cibus plans to collaborate with Interoc, which has expertise in rice seed genetics, to integrate HT1 and HT3 traits into elite rice lines, providing innovative weed management solutions to growers in Latin America [3][4] - The company believes that this regulatory approval in Ecuador will pave the way for pursuing similar clearances in other key Latin American markets [4]
Ecuador Approves Cibus Herbicide Tolerance Traits as Equivalent to Conventional Breeding