Alexandria, Virginia
October 20, 2008
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) announced today
the suspension of the grain marketing program and certification
mark, Market Choices®, which will be phased out by the Fall of
2009. This decision comes as the trade of U.S. corn, corn gluten
feed and distillers dried grains and solubles (DDGS) with the
European Union (EU) has essentially stopped due to the lack of
timely regulatory approvals for corn biotech traits. Although
the U.S. has seen continued rapid development and adoption of
these traits over the last 13 years, the regulatory approvals
for grain and other feed products derived from this technology
to enter the EU has lagged significantly behind U.S. and global
approvals. A zero tolerance for traits not fully approved in the
EU has made importation of U.S. corn and derived products
virtually impossible since 2007.
The Market Choices® certification mark was established in 2002
to help growers and grain handlers identify non-EU approved corn
hybrids. When biotechnology crops were first introduced, corn
producers were faced with new choices when selecting corn
hybrids best suited for their operation. The Market Choices®
certification mark has been used industry-wide to help growers
easily identify corn hybrids with enhanced traits, fully
approved for food and feed use in the U.S., Canada and Japan,
but not yet approved in the EU. As a result, Market Choices®
serves as a tool for growers to identify these hybrids and
segregate the grain away from the EU export market.
Representatives of the European agricultural industry have
requested the European Commission allow a tolerance for
biotechnology traits not yet approved in Europe but approved in
the country of origin. The Commission and EU Member States
failed to agree on the adoption of a tolerance at the most
recent meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and
Animal Health at the end of September.
"Discussions have been held in the EU seeking an allowable
tolerance for biotech traits approved in the U.S. but not in the
EU to facilitate trade, but there is no indication that such a
tolerance, if granted, would be at a commercially viable level
for exports to continue from the United States," commented ASTA
President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "Most importantly, the EU
regulatory system continues to be unpredictable with respect to
the review and approval of biotechnology products, which
negatively impacts Europe's feed and livestock industries,
growers, and ultimately consumers.
ASTA has worked over the last year with its members and
stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to evaluate the
future of the Market Choices® certification mark. "We reviewed
the effectiveness, usefulness and value of the certification
mark. After careful consideration, ASTA decided to suspend the
use of the Market Choices® certification mark and program over
the next year," said LaVigne. "However, the seed industry will
continue to assist stakeholders by providing information
regarding regulatory approval of biotech events in export
markets to growers through the National Corn Growers Association
and their related program, Know Before You Grow."
ASTA stresses the importance of finding an approved market for
grain derived from biotech products.
LaVigne also noted that if the EC should provide for a
commercially viable tolerance or demonstrate a functioning
regulatory system for the approval of biotech events, ASTA would
evaluate reestablishing the use of the Market Choices®
certification mark and the related program with any appropriate
adjustments needed to make the program effective.
ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce
better crops for a better quality of life. Founded in 1883,
ASTA, located in Alexandria, Va., is one of the oldest trade
organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of
approximately 750 companies involved in seed production and
distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North
America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates
science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is
to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed
worldwide. |
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