We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Importers warn of feed shortage
EUROPE’S livestock farmers will face a shortage of high-protein animal feed this winter if the EU fails to approve a new variety of GM maize, feed importers have warned.
Over 200,000 tonnes of soybean and soymeal have already been refused entry to the EU this summer after shipments tested positive for small traces of GM varieties not yet approved in Europe.
Europe’s ‘hard-line’ stance has led a number of feed importers to stop taking soya shipments to Europe altogether.
Experts fear imports will continue to dry up and feed prices will rise unless the EU softens its ‘zero tolerance’ stance on traces of non-approved GM varieties and speeds up its approval process on new varieties.
The message may finally be sinking in after EU officials approved three new GM varieties for importation a fortnight ago.
But for normal trade to resume the industry said Ministers must approve Syngenta’s GM maize type MIR604, which is grown extensively in the Americas.
Agriculture Ministers are set to make a decision on Syngenta’s MIR604 at their meeting on Wednesday (November 18).
Readers' comments (1)
Hildegard Hill | 18 November 2009 7:42 pm
They are trying to make everyone panic as always. Let's hope the government's latest initiative to encourage farmers to grow their own animal feed will be successful. Who can blame those who suspect a hefty bribe to the EU officials?
Hildegard
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