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last update:Feb 6, 2008
Germany: Pig market crisis blamed on GM opponents
The current difficulties in the German pig sector are
attributed to government opposition to genetically modified (GM) feedstuffs,
according to a representative of German opposition party, the Free Democratic
Party (FDP).
Hans-Michael Goldmann, agriculture spokesman for the FDP, commented in a
press statement that the problems on the German pig market are partly
"home-made" as the government's "anti-innovation policy" is blocking
biotechnology in Germany and Europe with inevitable consequences for feed
prices.
He stated further that for Germany's main EU competitors, feed costs are
lower due to the use of new GM varieties. In addition, he believes that German
pig production laws are a hindrance and pig farmers should be allowed to feed
their animals with animal fats and feeds made from animal protein.
On January 25, the Bundestag (German parliament) approved a draft
Biotechnology Law stating the criteria for labelling products as GM-free and the
conditions for growing GM crops. The German Farmers' Union (DBV) is advising its
members to refrain from growing GM crops as yet because of uncertainties until
the legislation has come into force.
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