Bob Burgdorfer, Senior Editor

October 7, 2016

2 Min Read

Brazil approves GMO corn imports

Brazil's biosafety commission CTNBio this week approved imports of three genetically modified varieties of corn from the United States for animal feed use, according to Reuters.

The action will help mitigate tight corn supplies after a harsh drought severely cut production this year, and forced animal growers to import corn from Argentina.

The commission approved two GMO corn varieties produced by Monsanto Co. and one developed by Syngenta AG.

Brazil already cultivates and processes genetically modified organisms, but varieties that are not planted in the country need to be approved by the commission to be imported and processed.

global_hot_spots_brazil_approves_imports_gmo_corn_1_636114293012986620.jpg

Morocco wheat production tumbles, imports needed 

Severe drought in Morocco cut wheat production about 65% this year and prompted an increase in wheat imports, USDA’s attache office said.

In late September, the African nation bought more than 300,000 metric tons each of U.S. and European wheat. For the year (June-May), the attache’s office expects the country to import a total of 5 million metric tons.

In order to encourage local production, the Moroccan government has worked to increase the amount of irrigated crop land and expand crop insurance. It also is preserving seed for farmers to plant next season.

Britain wheat harvest seen down 12% – Reuters

Britain's wheat harvest is forecast to be down 12% this year to 14.47 million metric tons (532 million bushels) and the barley crop down 10% to 6.65 million (305.9 million bushels), according to Reuters, which attributed the report to the country's farming and environment ministry.

Further details, including yield and area data, will be issued on Oct. 13 as well as results for other crops.

The wheat harvest estimate was broadly in line with trader estimates which ranged from about 14.5 million to 14.7 million tons, down from last season's 16.4 million. Traders said the decline is likely to have been driven by a fall in yields to more normal levels this year.

Related: Global Hot Spots: Egypt relaxes wheat policy

Wheat yields have been around 7.8 to 8.0 tons per hectare (116 to 119 bpa), down around 12% from last season's 9.0 tons (134 bpa).

About the Author(s)

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like