China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has granted final approval for 30 genetically modified (GM) maize and soybean varieties, including 27 maize and 3 soybean varieties. The varieties passed review by China's National Crop Variety Registration Committee and were open for public comment earlier in the year. While approved for planting, the varieties are expected to be primarily used in government-approved pilot programmes for the foreseeable future.