May 7, 2008

GM crops stir mixed reactions among Asian countries

The popularity of GM crops in Asia has been more apparent in some countries like the Philippines, while some areas such as Japan and South Korea has been restrictive on the use of such grains.

The Philippine government has so far embraced the commercial production of GM corn. It is the first country in Southeast Asia to have a commercial GM food crop.

Japan on the other hand does not grow GM crops due to safety issues raised by consumers. However, the country imports GM grains for manufacturing products such as cooking oil, animal feed and manufactured goods.

Companies in Japan have been reluctant to test the market for consumer-ready GM food due to labelling requirements and public safety worries.

The Japanese government has expressed that GM crops may be a way to ease food scarcity in a country which imports more than half of what it consumes.

Meanwhile, South Korea has imposed strict rules on the import of GM seeds since January 1.

Presently, there are GM seed programmes for experimental purposes in South Korea, but none are for commercial use, an agriculture ministry official said.

In Bangkok, the regional headquarters for the United Nation's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), said it had not seen any signs that governments in Asia were pushing for GM seeds.

Genetically modified grain, including seeds, is not allowed for edible consumption in China.

However, GM products are allowed for indirect uses, such as making edible oil, but they must be labelled clearly, the Chinese government requires.