GM feed opportunity being missed by the European Union

Due to adverse weather conditions, competition and costs, farmers will continue to struggle to source feed for livestock production at competitive rates. So why are so many countries reluctant to accept GM crops as an alternative. In this context, there are some sections of the industry that believe the introduction of GM crops could significantly help. The EU dependent on 80 percent of vegetable proteins imported, it was recently agreed that new EU rules will allow a low–level presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in feed to facilitate imports into the EU.

Despite this small step, resistance against GM technology in the EU from consumers, farmers and politicians continues. German chemical company, BASF, has said that this resistance has forced it to pull out of GM crop trials in Europe. The company has said that it will continue its activities in the GM–friendlier markets of North and South America. In January, France announced its intention to uphold a ban on the cultivation of GM approved Monsanto maize. Five other EU countries, Germany, Greece, Austria, Luxemburg and Hungary also ban its cultivation. Read more ...