Pretoria, South Africa
July 16, 2007
Report highlights
South African farmers plant
genetically modified (GM) corn, cotton and soybeans. South
Africa’s acreage of GM crops account for approximately 92 % of
South Africa’s cotton, 44% 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.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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, 44% 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 soybean). 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.
Full report:
http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200707/146291657.pdf
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