THE country’s animal feeds industry will continue to flourish after the release of a new set of rules that regulate the testing and propagation of genetically modified (GM) crops, according to a senior official of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Agriculture Undersecretary Jose Reaño told reporters that the feed-milling industry will be allowed to continue the importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), such as soybeans—one of the key components of animal feeds.
The DA, together with the departments of Science and Technology, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, and Interior and Local Government, recently signed Joint Department Circular (JDC) 1, which provides the rules and regulations on the research, importation, use and propagation of GMOs.
“In terms of animal feeds, we don’t have a problem anymore. The importation of GMOs is continuous. Gladly, I would like to tell you that the [animal feeds] industry would continue to be kicking well,” Reaño said.
Prior to the approval of the JDC, only traders who have secured import permits from the government before the issuance of the Supreme Court ruling nullifying Administrative Order 8 could bring GM crops into the country.
The processing of new applications for import permits was put on hold. The country imports about 2 million metric tons of soybeans yearly, according to Reaño. Barring traders from importing the commodity would cause “serious” problems for the animal feeds and livestock industry, he said.
The DA official said the JDC would also ensure the stable production of corn. He said the majority of the yellow corn produced by the country goes to animal-feeds production.
Philippine Maize Federation Inc. President Roger Navarro earlier said the approval of the JDC will allow farmers to boost corn production and tap the export market.
“With the new joint department circular for biotechnology, local corn farmers have better chances of tapping the export market, because we will continue reaping higher yields with Bt [Bacillus thuringiensis] corn,” Navarro said in a statement.