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The European Commission has decided to allow European Union member countries
to continue importing processed feed products containing specific biotech
traits listed on its "existing products" register, April 2005 by Forrest
Laws.

The action comes after the commission learned in late March that 1,000
metric tons of corn containing the Bt10 gene, which is not authorized for
import by member countries, may have been shipped to the EU from the United
States between 2001 and 2004.

The 26 genetically modified organisms ? 12 varieties of corn, six of oilseed
rape, five of cotton, one of soybean, one biomass and one yeast cream ? have
all undergone the EU?s extensive regulatory review and been approved for use
in the European Union, according to a statement issued by the commission.

"All the GMOs on this register can be legally sold in the EU and complied
with the rules applicable at the time of entering the market," the statement
said. "The publication of this register represents a formal recognition of
these products under the EU?s new legislation on GMOs."

The U.S. National Corn Growers Association welcomed the decision.

"We applaud the commission for ensuring U.S. growers have continued access
to important EU markets for processed feeds," said NCGA President Leon
Corzine. "For producers who plant these biotech traits, this action provides
assurance that there will continue to be an established market for their
products."


Limited period sales


According to the EU statement, the 26 biotech products authorized for
marketability in processed feeds can be legally sold in the EU for a set
period of three to nine years, after which an application to renew
authorization must be submitted.

Syngenta, which owns the Bt10 gene through its Syngenta Seeds subsidiary,
said it supports the EU in its targeted certification program for two animal
feed maize or corn products for import from the United States. The program,
which includes the "existing products" register, is intended to ensure that
the two products, maize gluten and brewers grain for animal feed, are
certified by an accredited laboratory to not contain Bt10.

"We respect the commission?s announcement to ensure compliance with the
existing regulations, which is fundamental to maintaining consumer
confidence", said Mike Mack, chief operating officer of Syngenta Seeds. "We
are fully committed to continue cooperation with all concerned parties,
including the EU Commission and member states, to achieve this, including
bringing this measure to its conclusion when the program is reconsidered by
the commission later this year."

Bt10 maize is genetically modified maize that was inadvertently planted in
very small amounts as Bt11 maize between 2001 and 2004. The proteins
expressed by Bt10 and Bt11 are identical, with the Bt gene in a different
location in the maize genome.

"This has no impact on the safety of the maize," says Mack. "Bt10 also has
an antibiotic resistance marker gene, which has been approved and widely
used around the world for many years, including in the European Union. This
marker is not active in the plant and therefore has no impact on the safety
profile of the maize."

Syngenta identified the Bt10 event using advanced DNA-based testing. The
Bt10 event was found in five Bt maize breeding lines in the United States,
three of which were used between 2001 and 2004 primarily for pre-commercial
development. The seeds produced could have planted an estimated 37,000 acres
over the four-year time period.


Works with laboratory


Mack said Syngenta has been working closely with world leading and
independent testing laboratory, GeneScan, as well as with the animal feed
trade. The certification for EU importation is expected to be operational
within a few days at U.S. ports of departure.

Representatives of Monsanto, which owns 15 of the biotech products on the
"existing products" register, also welcomed the decision, saying it lays to
rest concerns that the EU might stop all imports of biotech trait-containing
feed products after the disclosure of the Bt10 shipments.

"We are pleased to see the EU operate its regulatory process as it was
designed, which allows the processed feed market to remain open for U.S.
corn processors and growers," said Hugh Grant, Monsanto?s chief executive
officer. "This action by the EU has the potential to open additional
marketing options for U.S. farmers growing these biotech corn traits."

The NCGA?s Corzine noted that biotech hybrids constituted 45 percent of last
year?s record corn crop and some estimates suggest biotech seed may be
planted on more than half of this year?s corn acreage. "We?re seeing more
growers plant biotech crops each year," he said. "That?s why continued
market access for these products is so important."

NCGA recommends that growers contact their local grain handlers to find out
how this development may affect their grain marketing plans. Corzine also
reminded growers that NCGA?s "Know Before You Grow" Web site is a useful
tool in determining which hybrids have received approval in the EU and
Japan.


Added options


Grant said the EU action could result in additional marketing options for
farmers who grow biotech grain, as some corn refiners may be able to expand
their grain buying to include the biotech traits listed in the register, if
those refiners do not send corn-based food ingredients to EU markets.

In addition to the April 18 announcement on the continuation of processed
feed imports, Monsanto?s Roundup Ready Corn 2 and YieldGard Corn Borer
products have already received EU food approvals, he said. Food approvals
for other Monsanto corn products marketed in the United States are pending
in the EU regulatory process.

"This comes at a time when farmers are seeking new choices and new
technologies," said Grant. "The EU delivered what it said it would for
processed feed, contributing to the positive momentum that allows farmers to
plant biotech traits with even more confidence."

[westernfarmpress.com]

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