Brazilians Seeing Opportunity After EU's Approval of GM Soy

By CnAgri2012-07-09 19:30:12 Print

Approval by the European Commission of the commercialization of the new technology of transgenic soy that combines in a single seed tolerance for herbicides and resistance to insects, represents an opening of the market and acceptance of the benefits and safety of genetically modified seeds for the world, according to the Brazilian Association of Seeds and Seedlings.

ABRASEM is celebrating the opening of new doors to varieties of high technology seeds that offer growers benefits as well as peace of mind, and now, the guarantee that they can also export to the European Union the soy produced in Brazil from the new seeds. Europe is the second main destination of Brazilian soy exports, after only China.

The Brazilian regulatory framework is one of the most highly evolved in the world with respect to genetically modified organisms, though it regrets that the pace has not been the same in the principal markets where national production is sent.

"Nowadays, companies are investing more and more in new technologies for the Brazilian market. It is necessary for the markets that are importing our agricultural production to keep pace with this movement," notes farmer and ABRASEM President, Narciso Barison Neto.

With regard to the seed, he also emphasizes that it will bring environmental benefits, since it will considerably reduce the use of herbicides and insecticides by growers.

The new soy, which goes by the commercial name of Intacta RR2 Pro, was approved for growing and commercialization in Brazil by the Brazilian National Technical Commission for Biosafety in 2010. It is the first variety developed from combined genes and especially for Brazil, although according to ABRASEM, its use is going to expand to other countries, chiefly the member countries of Mercosul.

The new technology is also awaiting approval for commercialization in China, which is the largest importer of Brazilian soy.