CHINA, the main buyer of Brazilian soybeans, has approved imports of three genetically modified varieties of the crop, to be produced on a massive scale in the South American country.

The Brazilian Agriculture Ministry said China gave its green light for the Intacta RR2 PRO variety, which can resist pests such as a type of caterpillar, as well as for the herbicide-resistant CV 127 and Liberty Link.

The agreement followed a meeting of Chinese and Brazilian agriculture ministers in Beijing.

Many Brazilian soybean producers were awaiting China's approval before starting production of these genetically modified varieties, the Brazilian ministry said.

Of the 7.2 million tons of soybean exported by Brazil in April, more than 5.6 million tons were shipped to China.

"This approval is even more important in view of the spread of the Helicoverpa armigera caterpillar in several Brazilian states," the ministry said in a statement.

Larvae of this moth species have caused US$750 million damages to cotton and soybean fields in the northeastern state of Bahia this year.