This briefing aims to give campaigners an introduction to the animal feed industry. It is part of a GE series providing detailed briefings on the major issues and companies involved in the biotech sector. Details of how to obtain these can be found at the end of this document. If we were to lose a debate on GM animal feed it could be very damaging. As consumers around the world mobilise against GM products in their own food, few people realise that eating meat and dairy products is throwing a lifeline to the biotechnology industry.
Animal feeds mean a lot to the agri-biotech industry.
As the world leader in agri-biotech, US agribusiness is the main target of efforts to cut off the markets of GM producers. Yet within months, US agricultural exports were in crisis - in large part due to a refusal by European consumers to bow to the GM 'revolution'. The American Corn Growers Association has urged its members to consider using non-GM seeds next year. The recent announcement by commodity exporter Archer Daniels Midland that farmers should keep GM grain and conventional grain segregated at silos shook the industry to its foundations. Even food trading giant Cargill is getting interested in the potential for segregation.