U.S. grain exporters continue to insist that GMOs be sold instead of giving the customer what they want. The attitude of US exporters and some domestic farm organizations is forcing overseas buyers to turn their backs on U.S. corn and soybeans. Falkland farmers cull 30,000 sheep a year and burn or bury the carcasses. It takes independent retailers on average 7.2 weeks to get a new product on their shelves. By comparison, chain supermarkets take only 3.6 weeks.
Consumers look for the new products because they are heavily advertised.
When the products are not available consumers will shop elsewhere. Overall Canadian exports to South America dropped by as much as 15 per cent in the first three quarters of 1999. While developing countries' share of trade in merchandise goods increased from 20 percent in 1973 to 28 percent in 1999, it still is a long way off from a high of 33 percent in 1948. Fewer than half the companies surveyed are using the Internet to serve customers, and only 30 per cent said their Website created an effective place to conduct business. Of those using the Internet, the functions are most often marketing and communications with customers.