EU talks on genetically modified material in animal feed to resume
Talks on reversing the EU’s zero tolerance stance on GM content in animal feed broke down on Wednesday due to objections from France and other member states. Further revisions to the wording of the proposal are expected before the next EU committee meeting.
Industry sources in Brussels believe that an amended proposal is likely to be passed, stating that continuing with a total ban on GM content in feeds would add a €4bn cost for partners in the feed chain, livestock industry and EU consumers.
European feed manufacturers association FEFAC President Patrick Vanden Avenne said: “The EU cannot afford to wait any longer after almost five years of discussion on the impact of the EU zero-tolerance policy on traces of GMOs not yet approved in the EU in feed materials imported from third countries”.
“The EU livestock sector, in particular the pig farmers, is currently facing the most severe crisis for decades. It’s time for the EU to catch up with the reality of global expansion of GM crop acreage to ensure feed and food security of EU livestock farmers and consumers by adopting the technical solution’ as a first step in the right direction.”
Irish Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith received mixed reactions earlier this week when he announced Ireland would vote in favour of the relaxed 0.1% stance on GM content. Farm groups backed this view, while the Greens and other groups opposed the policy reversal.
Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association development officer Grace Maher said: “This move by an outgoing Minister seriously threatens the thriving export market for both organic and conventional beef and lamb producers.”
Green Party’s Trevor Sargent said: “GM-free animal feed is freely available at a small premium. As Irish cattle eat grass most of the year this small premium would represent a tiny price differential for the customer (eg 2c on a Sunday roast). The highest quality lines in European supermarkets insist on the use of GM-free feed.”
However, supporters of the bid to relax the zero tolerance rules said the existing policy had huge cost implications. They wanted to avoid a repeat of supply disruptions in 2009, when US soy shipments to Europe were blocked after unapproved GM material was found in some cargoes.
Irish Grain and Feed Association director Deirdre Webb welcomed Mr Smith’s policy reversal, saying a 0.1% GM tolerance made scientific sense.
