July 29, 2009
EU imported soy seen more expensive from Sep-Mar
The European feed industry is afraid that imported soy will become more expensive from September through March, Dutch agricultural newspaper Agrarisch Dagblad reports.
The imports from the US, very important in this winter period, may be in danger due to a zero tolerance on transgenic raw materials. Recently, a shipment of soymeal was found in the German state of Lower Saxony, containing traces of a transgenic variety by Monsanto, which is not allowed in the EU.
EU experts have thus far not been able to reach an agreement about the admission of imports. New discussions will take place only after the summer.
Nutreco director of communications Jurgen Pullens said that if Europe does not remove its zero tolerance – or at least ease legislation, high prices for soy is expected to push up cost prices for compound feed.
Some ingredients, like grains, may partly be adequate replacers as to protein sources. For poultry nutrition, high quality proteins are also essential.
Alternative soy supplies have to come from South America, but offers from Argentina and Brazil are small. In Argentina, drought has caused small harvest and Brazil ships most of its soy to China.
