June 11, 2007

Australia to import South American soybeans, sunflower seeds

Australia will import South American soybeans and sunflower seeds amid domestic supply shortages of small drought-affected crops, a Department of Agriculture official said in a statement to Reuters.

This marks the first time this year that the government has issued permits for imports of these products, following 57,000 tonnes of genetically modified canola imported from Canada in December 2006.

The drought in Australia had slashed domestic 2006/07 crop production by 60 percent, with canola output down to 513,000 tonnes from 1.4 million tonnes the previous year. Domestic wheat output also dropped to 9.8 million tonnes from 25.1 million tonnes.

However, the official said grain imports are not expected until September or October, when this year's crop output would be known.