The Hague, The Netherlands
June 11, 2012

USDA/FAS GAIN report BE 2006

Report highlights

This report describes the trade and production of genetically engineered (GE) plant products, the use of GE animals for research purposes, and related government policies in Belgium and Luxembourg. An EU-wide overview is provided by the EU Consolidated Biotechnology Annual drafted by FAS Paris.

Executive Summary

The Flemish regional government and agricultural sector have a pragmatic approach towards the import and use of genetically engineered (GE) agricultural products, while the Walloon government and agricultural sector have a more negative approach towards agricultural biotechnology. In both Belgian Regions, however, crop trials and commercial cultivation of biotech crops are hindered by cumbersome regulations and by the threat of protests from environmental groups. The Flemish livestock sector depends on feed imports from third countries, mainly soybean meal, which for a major part is GE. The Belgian livestock sector does not keep GE animals nor do agricultural research institutes keep them for research purposes.

Full report

Website: http://www.fas.usda.gov/

Published: June 15, 2012