NCGA members and staff visited France, Belgium and Germany on a mission with members of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) to learn more about trends in biotechnology acceptance in Europe. From left to right: NCGA members Fred Yoder, Tim Kreynus and Ron Olson; NCGA staff June Silverberg; ASTA staff Alexis Ellicott; ASTA representatives Jimmy Dodson, Ken Rulon and Don Lathan.

NCGA Growers Wrap Up European Mission on Biotechnology (6-28-06)

A joint mission of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) toured France, Belgium and Germany to learn about trends in biotechnology acceptance in Europe.

NCGA members Fred Yoder, Ron Olson and Tim Kreynus made the trip, in addition to corn grower Ken Rulon, soybean grower Don Latham cotton grower Jimmy Dodson, and NCGA and ASTA staff.

The group discussed coexistence and research with the French corn growers association, French and German politicians, researchers, seed companies and technology providers.

“The Europeans are making progress, but it’s coming along slowly,” said Paul Bertels, NCGA director of biotechnology. “In order for American growers to keep access to European Union markets, EU producers must work on persuading EU consumers to accept biotech products.”

Only one biotech trait, YieldGard Corn Borer, is approved for use in the EU. This year, Spanish growers have planted more than 148,000 biotech acres, which accounts for 0.2 percent of the corn acreage. French producers have planted around 14,000 biotech acres, and German farmers have planted less than 2,500 biotech acres. Although this product is legally produced these farmers continue to face coexistence and reporting requirements that hinder acreage expansion.

Bertels noted the new German government has signaled interest in increasing acceptance of biotechnology in its country. One researcher told the group she was envious of Americans because of their progressive stance on biotechnology products, he said.

“Germany appears to be interested in developing a biotech industry,” Bertels said. “They want more and more research on biotech.”