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    Title: Agricultural Based Genetically Engineered Organism Release Permit
    Alternate Title:
    Description:

    Genetically engineered organism. Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)


    Subject: Genetically Engineered Organisms
    Creation Date: 9/11/2008 2:10:35 PM
    Modification Date: 5/1/2026 8:41:52 AM
    Agency Name: Agriculture (MDA), Minnesota Department of
    Agency URL: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/
    Agency Description: The mission of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
    Agency Phone: 651-201-6000
    800-967-2474
    Agency Fax: Agency URL: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/
    Agency Address:
    625 N. Robert Street

    St. Paul
    MN
    55155
    Division Name: Plant Protection Division
    Division URL:
    Division Description:
    Division Phone: 651-201-6095
    Division Fax: Division URL:
    Audience: Application URL:
    Renewal URL:
    Versa URL:
    Requirements:

    See Minn. Rules for information.

    Permit Requirements & Authority

    • Mandatory Federal Approval: A person may not conduct a release of a GE agriculturally related organism until a permit has been obtained from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) or the EPA.

    • MDA Review Power: While you apply through federal agencies, the MDA commissioner has the authority to review these permits. The MDA can add state-specific requirements or conditions to ensure the release does not create hazards for Minnesota’s agricultural, forest, or horticultural interests.

    • Public Notice: Once an application is filed, the commissioner must publish a notice of the proposed release in the EQB Monitor and notify the relevant county board or Tribal council.

    Types of GE Releases

    The regulatory path depends on the type of organism and the scope of the project:

    1. Permit: Required for all GE releases that do not qualify for the notification process or a commercial use exemption. This typically includes more complex or novel modifications and can take up to 120 days to process.

    2. Notification: A streamlined process for GE plants that meet specific safety eligibility criteria (common for crops like corn, soy, and potatoes). Processing usually takes about 30 days.

    3. Commercial Use Exemption: Agriculturally related GE organisms that have been "deregulated" by the USDA can be considered for commercial use exemptions in Minnesota.


      Rules: 1558

      Statutes: 18F

      Forms: How to Apply

      • Primary Application: Applications should be filed electronically via APHIS eFile.

      • MDA Coordination: It is recommended to contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture directly at 651-201-6000 for specific state-level compliance questions or to verify if additional Minnesota-specific forms are required for your particular project.

      Note on Related Permits: If the GE organism project involves other activities, a Seed Permit (if labeling seed for sale) or a Chemigation Permit (if applying chemicals through an irrigation system) may be needed.

      Fees:


      Period of Issuance:


      Length of Determination:
      Other Info:
      Activity: Genetically Engineered Organisms
      License Detail URL:

      Agriculture (MDA), Minnesota Department of

      Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)


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