EU blockade of US soya beans unlikely to be lifted

THE EU’s approval of three genetically modified maize varieties is not expected to lift a blockade keeping soya beans from the US out of the EU.

Given the uncertainty, international traders have ceased all further shipments. The banned cargoes contained dust from unapproved genetically modified maize, contamination which comes from port storage and handling systems.

Ships containing 200,000 tonnes of soya are anchored in European ports, awaiting clearance. Some will be released soon, because the contamination comes from the three latest maizes approved for use in Europe. But a spokesman for the EU’s Coceral grouping of cereal trade organisations said soya imports will not commence until GM-corn Mir 604 is approved. US soymeal exports to the EU are normally close to 500,000 tonnes. Stocks from South America are low, due to a dry growing season. EU approval for GM grains has been slow because of public concern about safety.