By Linda McKee
Animal feed costs could rocket by 25% in the next two years if the EU
does not approve a genetically modified strain of maize.
That's the message from the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association
(NIGTA), which is warning that food production in the EU could become
uncompetitive as a result.

Ulster consumers will no longer be able to choose between imported
meat and competitively priced local meat, but will instead have to pay high
prices for local produce, NIGTA president Robin Irvine warned yesterday.

In a briefing to food processors and retailers, he insisted that a
lack of decision-making in Brussels is putting European food production and
safety at risk.

The GM maize trait Herculex was pronounced safe for import for animal
and human food, but EU approval is pending.

Mr Irvine said: "The EU and particularly Northern Ireland is dependant
on the import of protein-rich feeds such as soya and maize products, and
predictions by Brussels officials are that approval delays could mean that
feed costs in Europe could reach an increase of 25% by 2009. This will make
food production in the EU completely uncompetitive."



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