South African farmers plant
genetically modified (GM) corn, cotton and soybeans. South
Africa’s (SA) acreage of GM crops rose to approximately 92 %
of South Africa’s cotton, 29% of corn, and 59% of soybeans.
Clearly GM products have a wide appeal with South African
Farmers. They appreciate that GM crops use fewer inputs and
have higher yields, and are easier to manage than
traditional varieties.
The South African
Government generally supports biotechnology: transgenic
varieties of cotton, corn and soy are approved for
commercial planting and account for approximately 92 % of
South Africa’s cotton, 29% of corn, and 59% of soybeans.
U.S. agricultural interests
in South Africa are wide-ranging and diverse. Wheat is the
main U.S. export, followed by many other bulk, intermediate
and consumer ready products. Those affected by biotechnology
issues are corn, soybeans and seeds (corn, cotton and
soybeans). Food aid passage through South Africa to other
destinations can also be affected by South Africa’s GMO
policies.
South
African biotechnology regulatory matters are discussed and
decided by an Executive Council with representatives from
eight departments. An Advisory Committee consisting of
experts from around the nation carry out risk analysis on
biotech products and give their recommendations to the
Council for the final approval of any biotech product. The
advisory committee and the Council do not meet frequently
and so decisions are often delayed. Still, the regulatory
structure in general is very progressive and several genetic
transformation events have received approval for commercial
planting. However, recently there have been some public
objections from anti-GM lobby groups. These groups are
demanding unscientific information from the GMO Registrar’s
office of the National Department of Agriculture and have
effectively slowed the process for new approvals.
South Africa can play a vital
role as other countries in Africa develop biotechnology
policies because it has the most resources, such as
scientific expertise and financial support, as well as a
progressive regulatory system. Without the South African
Government’s leadership role in this region, the progress in
agricultural biotechnology, or for that matter any
technology, can be stifled by anti-technology groups.
