February 6, 2008

Germany opposes GM feed, and the decision is blamed for pig market crisis
 

The government's opposition to GM feed has caused difficulties in Germany's pig industry, said Hans-Michael Goldmann, an agriculture spokesman.

Goldmann is of the opinion that the government's opposition to GM feed has caused consequences for feed prices, citing that Germany's main EU competitors have lower feed costs due to the use of new GM varieties.

On January 25, the German Parliament had passed a draft Biotechnology law stating the criteria for labelling products as GM-free and the conditions for growing GM crops.

The German Farmers' Union (DBV) has advised its members not to grow GM crops yet because of uncertainties until the legislation has come into force.

Goldmann also states his belief that German pig farmers should be allowed to feed their animals with animal fats and feeds made from animal protein.