GM maize allowed to enter European Union
The European Union has authorised imports of a genetically modified (GM) maize type for sale across its 27 national markets for the next 10 years. The maize, known by its codename GA21, is marketed by Swiss agrochemicals company Syngenta and will be used in food and animal feed, not for growing in Europe’s fields.
EU approval of GA21 maize is of particular interest to
grain traders in Spain, and also Portugal, since until now, the GM strain has
only been permitted for import in processed form. Spain’s growing demand for
grain for use in feed is mainly focused on maize. The EU’s approval allows GA21
imports as grain and those shipments are expected to come into EU markets mainly
from Argentina, a major GM crop grower.
grain traders in Spain, and also Portugal, since until now, the GM strain has
only been permitted for import in processed form. Spain’s growing demand for
grain for use in feed is mainly focused on maize. The EU’s approval allows GA21
imports as grain and those shipments are expected to come into EU markets mainly
from Argentina, a major GM crop grower.
GA21 maize has been engineered to
provide resistance to herbicides containing glyphosate. The authorisation will
only take effect once it has been published in the EU’s Official Journal, likely
to happen in the next few days, officials said.
Related
website:
Syngenta
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