Release No. 0578.95 

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

USDA RULES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED HERBICIDE-TOLERANT COTTON  SAFE
TO GROW 

WASHINGTON,  July  24,  1995--The U.S.  Department of Agriculture
has determined that cotton breeding lines genetically  engineered
for  tolerance  to  the  herbicide  glyphosate  are  safe to grow
without further USDA permits or acknowledged notifications.   The
cotton lines,  designated 1445 and 1698, are produced by Monsanto
Company in St.  Louis, Mo.  

"Our determination is based on information submitted by Monsanto,
as well as other relevant data and public comments,  If said John
H.   Payne,  acting  director  of biotechnology,  biologics,  and
environmental protection  for  USDA's  Animal  and  Plant  Health
Inspection Service.  

Cotton  breeding  lines 1445 and 1698 were regulated because they
contain DNA sequences derived from plant  pathogens.   They  were
evaluated  in  field  trials  conducted  under  APHIS permits and
notifications in  1992,  1993,  and  1994.   In  the  process  of
reviewing   the  applications  for  those  field  trials,   APHIS
determined that the vectors were disarmed and that the trials did
not present a risk of plant pest introduction or dissemination.  

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

The determination,  an environmental assessment and finding of no
significant  impact,  the  petition,  and  all  written  comments
received  regarding  the  petition may be reviewed at USDA,  Room
1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue,  S.W.,
Washington,  O.C.,  between 8 a.m.  and 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday,   except  holidays.   Persons  wishing  to  review  those
documents  are  asked  to  call  (202)  690-2817  in  advance  of
visiting.  

For further  information  contact  Sivramiah  Shantharam,  branch
chief, biotechnology permits, BBEP, APHIS, USDA, 4700 River Road,
Unit 147,  Riverdale, Md.  20737-1237; (301) 734-7612.  To obtain
a copy of the determination or the environmental  assessment  and
finding  of  no  significant impact,  contact Kay Peterson at the
same address and telephone number.  The environmental  assessment
and  determination  are  also  available  on  the  APHIS  WEB  at
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/BBEP/BP/.  

Notice of this  action  is  published  in  the  July  24  Federal
Register and became effective on July 11.