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Improving dialogue with China over GMO crops

The president of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) says dialogue with China about biotechnology continues to improve.

Tom Sleight tells Brownfield USGC has been involved in discussions with the Chinese regarding GMO crops for more than a decade.

“It’s the same things we’ve been hearing for a number of years: China needs to have a better climate to accept biotech.  China is not going to be able to improve production and meet security goals without (biotechnology).”

Chinese agriculture officials held a press conference last week outlining future plans for genetically modified crops, including further investment in insect-resistant corn.

“They’ve taken measures to get out of storing corn business, and within that same discussion comes the question of whether China should be growing as much feed grains or look towards other crops.”

Sleight says while speaking publically about biotechnology in a positive way is another sign of progress, obstacles remain.

“In terms of China approving more traits, it’s been kind of silent on that (which) raises some concern.”

Currently the Chinese government only allows the import of GMO grains that will be processed or used as animal feed.