USDA Reopens Comment Period for GMO Arctic Apple

Jan 02, 2014

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reopened the public comment period for the Arctic apple, a genetically modified apple that doesn’t turn brown.

A Canadian company from British Columbia is the creator of the GMO apple - Okanagan Speciality Fruits Inc. is requesting non-regulated status for the apple so it can market to the conventional apple market.

The USDA agency, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is administering the public consultation. The agency first opened the comment period from Nov. 9 to Dec. 9, but has extended the deadline to Jan. 30 due to what they say have been numerous requests for additional time.

APHIS has already completed its environmental assessment of the apple, and was given the okay from U.S. government scientists. APHIS said that non-browning apples could be beneficial for fruit processing and may extend the shelf life of fresh apples sold in stores. If all goes well, the Arctic apple could be on grocery store shelves in the U.S. in fall 2015.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Arctic apple, read an earlier story published on Farms.com entitled ‘Arctic Apple’ Won’t Brown When Cut.

Video: Dream Projects Made Real | BX Summer Contest Winner Stories

Three women. Three properties. Three summers that changed everything.

Meet the 2025 Kubota BX Summer Contest winners — and watch what happened when their biggest plans finally had the power to match them.

Akesh transformed her 9.8-acre property in just 3 months — clearing a historic barn, building a cottage garden, and growing vegetable beds for her family. Kathleen rebuilt her yard from the ground up after the 2023 wildfires devastated her property — creating a space where her children could play and grow again. Teresa reclaimed her family's 97-acre Ontario farm — moving topsoil, restoring fields, and honouring her mother's memory one season at a time.

Three dream projects. Three stories of vision, resilience, and hard work. One unforgettable summer with a Kubota BX.

"The BX made everything happen so quick." — Akesh "I feel like I can make a huge difference." — Kathleen "It's a dream come true. The answer to my prayers." — Teresa