March 23, 2005

Brazil poultry farmers cleared to import Argentine corn

A Brazilian government committee authorized imports of Argentine genetically modified corn in a decision that could end an unofficial five-year embargo, a government spokesman said Tuesday.

The National Biosecurity Commission, or CTNBio, ruled poultry producers from the northeastern state of Pernambuco could import up to 400,000 tonnes of corn, despite the fact the use of GMO corn has not been authorized in Brazil. The chicken farmers argued the corn was necessary to meet local demand.

Brazil was a regular importer of Argentine corn up until 2000. Since then it has been self-sufficient but a small crop this year means the country will have to import again. Local analysts estimate Brazil will need around one million tonnes, while Agriculture Minister Roberto Rodrigues warned imports could total five million tonnes.

CTNBio authorized three types of GMO corn produced in Argentina but stipulated the imported lots should be used for animal rations.

Back in 2000, environmental groups obtained injunctions blocking imports of Argentine corn because of GMO content. They also succeeded in stopping CTNBio from authorizing GMOs until a judge lifted that ban last year.