USDA Seeks Public Comment on Petition to Deregulate Early Juvenile Blooming and Near-Continuous Blooming Apple Developed Using Genetic Engineering

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image of blooming apples

Contact: aphispress@usda.gov

Washington, D.C., February 10, 2026—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites public comment on a petition to deregulate an apple developed using genetic engineering. The apple variety produces early juvenile blooming and near continuous blooming. 

The public will have 60 days to review and comment on the petition and draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA). Please submit scientific data, studies, or research to support your comments.   

USDA Seeks Public Comment on Petition to Deregulate Early Juvenile Blooming and Near-Continuous Blooming Apple Developed Using Genetic Engineering

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites public comment on a petition to deregulate an apple developed using genetic engineering. The apple variety produces early juvenile blooming and near continuous blooming. Comments will be accepted through April 13, 2026.