E.U. not opposed to GM crop imports : researcher

Genetically Modified crops from African countries will not be denied entry into the European Union (EU), a research scientist has said. Speaking at an AfricaBio Biotechnology Communicators training workshop in Pretoria, South Africa recently, Willy de Greef said the EU was not opposed to the development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

"We are concerned that you do not always hear the truth. It is often claimed that the EU is opposed to GMOs. Many people have been told negative things, but we will continue with meetings to ensure that the technology is adopted," Greef said.

The training workshop was organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in conjunction with AfricaBio. It attracted journalists and research scientists from Uganda, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa.

De Greef's remarks come against a background of widespread opposition to the development of GMOs. However, De Greef said six EU countries are currently planting GM crops, with several more hoping to start soon. He said Spain is leading the way with 60,000 hectares already planted. France, Czech Republic, Portugal, Germany and Slovakia, he said, have also increased their acreages five-fold from 1,500 hectares in 2005 to 8,500 hectares in 2006.

"What the activists are not telling you is that the most likely GMO crops to be produced in Africa are maize, soybean, cotton and possibly cassava at some future stage," Greef said. "With the exception of cotton, none of these crops are currently being exported to the EU. Should Africa one day become self sufficient in maize and soybeans, surplus exports of approved GM products to the EU will never be in jeopardy."

The President of AfricaBio, Professor Diran Makinde, said the majority of Africa's scientists, agricultural research institutions and political leaders have embraced the technology and are speeding up the process for the adoption of GM crops. "Various countries are still in the process of formulating regulatory procedures to legalise the production of GM crops," he said. Makinde, also working with the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) said Heads of State at the African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa early this year endorsed a 20-year bio-technology action plan calling for cooperation among states to bolster biotechnology research and address bio-safety concerns.

The Monitor