Why South Africa's apex court reversed GMO approval

The reversal of South Africa’s approval of Monsanto’s GMO maize represents a watershed moment in the country’s approach to agricultural biotechnology.

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On October 22, 2024, South Africa’s Supreme Court delivered a ground-breaking ruling that reversed the approval of a genetically modified organisms (GMOs), specifically, a drought-resistant M8746 maize developed by Monsanto. 

This landmark decision, which could have far-reaching implications for the agriculture sector, also raised significant concerns regarding food safety, environmental health, and the regulatory framework surrounding GMOs in the country.