On-Farm Segregation Is Likely Result of Foreign Consumer Backlash
American Corn Growers / May 31, 2000, Wednesday
WASHINGTON, May 31 -- A series of recent events across Europe will continue to have negative effects on the planting of genetically modified (GMO) crops in the United States and add to the uncertainty surrounding their use, according to the American Corn Growers Association (ACGA). In addition, the likelihood of on-farm segregation increases with every passing day.
Over the past few weeks the following events have occurred:
* The United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and France saw the accidental introduction of genetically modified canola in seed that was labeled as non-GMO. This introduction by AVANTA, partially owned by AstraZeneca, has affected thousands of farmers.
* Traces of GM pollen has been found in honey produced in the United Kingdom, making it difficult if not impossible to sell tainted honey within that country.
* The Welsh Assembly voted unanimously to ban all GMO products throughout Wales.
* A 3-year study by the University of Jena in Germany found that genes from GMO crops could spread from plants into other forms of life. This could raise health and environmental questions about the safety of GMO products.
"If U.S. farmers were under any impression that the uproar over genetically modified crops in Europe was subsiding, these events show just the opposite," said Gary Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of the ACGA.
"Farmers should consider their future harvesting and segregation decisions if they want to sell to the European marketplace."
Over the past few years, American farmers have seen their access to the huge European market disintegrate because of U.S. insistence that Europe purchase GMOs. In marketing year 1997-1998, corn exports to Europe stood at 2 million metric tons. In marketing year 1998-1999, those exports dropped to only 137,000 tons. Soybean sales showed a drop from 11 million tons in 1998 to 6 million tons in 1999.
As prices for corn and soybeans remain at historic lows and no changes forecast for the current Freedom to Farm program, exports play a growing role in future commodity prices. As more and more countries demand non-GMO crops or demand the labeling of GMO products, the U.S. farmer is being put in a marketing disadvantage. Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Korea, Mexico and Taiwan are all setting import or labeling requirements for any products grown with GMO seeds. Not only does this limit exports, but also puts additional segregation requirements upon American farmers. "The events in Europe add to the demand by foreign buyers for non-GMOs.
This means that segregation of GMO from non-GMO becomes paramount. As the growing likelihood that on-farm segregation will be required, agricultural producers must become prepared for this financial and logistical burden.
The ACGA advises producers to contact their local elevators as soon as possible and find out the requirements for segregation, testing, certification and delivery this harvest," concluded Goldberg.
SOURCE American Corn Growers Association
CONTACT: Gary Goldberg, 918-488-1829, or David Senter, 202-331-4348, or [email protected], both of American Corn Growers Association
(posted without permission)
