October 8, 2003
Brazil Millers' Contrasting Views on Transgenic Wheat & Products
Brazil, one of the world's largest wheat importers, buys most of its wheat from Argentina and the United States. Both these countries grow genetically modified crops, notably soy and corn, on a large scale.
In year 2003, Brazil is expected to import around 6 million tonnes of wheat, down from 7 million tonnes as compared to year 2002, due to a bigger crop.
"There's no way Brazil will accept transgenic wheat," said Ricardo Marcondes Ferraz, supply director at Grupo Dona Benta Alimentos, Brazil's No.2 wheat flour producer.
It all depends on government legislation in regards to the eventual use of transgenic wheat in Brazil. The government currently allows only the temporary planting and sale of GM soy.
The government soon plans to send a bill to Congress defining the long-term legal framework for the production, sale and consumption of GM food.
Ferraz, who also is president of the Sao Paulo Wheat Industry Union, said millers must satisfy consumer demands.
"It's very clear to me that the consumer doesn't want genetically modified food," he told an international wheat seminar, which ended on the weekend. It was organised by the Brazilian Wheat Industry Union, known as Abetrigo.
Monsanto Co.MON.N has been developing transgenic wheat for several years in the US, and has since provoked heated discussion in major consumer markets because of its use in bread, pasta and other basic foodstuffs.
The president of the Rio de Janeiro Wheat Industry Union, Brazil's No. 2 market after Sao Paulo, said Brazil would import GM wheat when it becomes available.
"Transgenic products will become a reality and their production will increase across the world. We must adapt," said Antenor Barros Leal, director of the Predileto Alimentos group, one of Brazil's top five food producers.
He commented soy oil now contained transgenic material, though the actual amount is not known.
