Release No. 0159.95 

                                 Cynthia A. Eck  (301) 734-5931
                                 Jerry Redding   (202) 720-6959 

USDA TO RULE ON GENETICALLY ENGINEERED COTTON 

WASHINGTON,  Feb.  28,  1995--The U.S.  Department of Agriculture
is   asking   the  public  for  comments  on  a  petition  for  a
determination of nonregulated status for  specific  cotton  lines
that are genetically engineered for insect resistance.  

Monsanto  Co.,  in  St.   Louis,  Mo.,  has  asked to produce its
genetically engineered cotton lines designated as 531,  757,  and
1076  and  trademarked  by  Monsanto  as BollgardTM Cotton Lines,
without   securing   further   USDA   permits   or   acknowledged
notifications,  according  to  John  Payne,  acting  director  of
biotechnology,  biologics and environmental protection for USDA's
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.  

"After  reviewing  information submitted by Monsanto,  as well as
other relevant data and public comments,  we'll determine whether
it  is  appropriate  to  approve  or deny this request that we no
longer regulate this cotton line," Payne said.  

The cotton line is currently regulated because it  contains  gene
sequences   derived  from  plant  pathogens.   In  cotton-growing
locations throughout the  United  States,  cotton  line  531  was
evaluated  under five APHIS permits issued between 1991 and 1993,
and cotton lines 757 and 1076 were tested under six APHIS permits
or notifications in 1993 and 1994.  

Payne said that USDA has the responsibility  to  assure  that  in
releasing  any  bioengineered  plant,   no  plant  pest  risk  is
presented.  APHIS reviewers focus on the biology, propagation and
cultivation of the plant.  The reviewers examine  the  source  of
the  engineered  genes,  the vector used to transfer them and the
stability of the insertion.  

For further information,  contact Keith Reding,  biotechnologist,
biotechnology permits,  BBEP,  APHIS, USDA, 4700 River Road, Unit
147,  Riverdale,  Md.  20737-1237;  (301)  734-7612.  To obtain a
copy  of the Monsanto petition,  contact Kay Peterson at the same
address, (301) 734-7601.  

Notice of this action  was  published  in  the  Feb.   9  Federal
Register.   Comments  will be considered if received on or before
April 10.  An original  and  three  copies  of  written  comments
referring  to  docket  94-139-1  should  be  sent  to  Regulatory
Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, USDA, 4700 River Road, Unit
118, Riverdale, Md.  20737-1238.  

Comments may be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141 South Building,  14th
and Independence Avenue,  S.W.,  Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m.,  Monday through Friday,  except holidays.  Persons
wishing  access  to this room are requested to call in advance of
visiting at (202) 690-2817.