March 20, 2006

China approves GM soy exports from Brazil for five years

The Brazilian government said Thursday that the Chinese authorities had approved Brazil's request to continue exporting genetically modified (GM) soy to China over the next five years.

That decision will provide greater stability for Brazilian soy exports to China, said Denise Mariano, MAPA's Coordinator of Bilateral Agreements.

Previously, permission for exports was granted on an annual basis. Five years is the maximum China's legislation will allow.

In 2005, Brazil exported US$1.7 billion of soybeans to China, accounting for 30 percent of the latter's soy imports.

The production of GM crops began in Brazil in 2004 when the government authorised the cultivation of GM soy.