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USDA: Spain agricultural biotechnology in 2014
Jul. 17, 2014
According to a USDA report, Spain is the EU Member State with the largest area planted to Bt corn, representing about 90 percent of the EU total area. Spain has traditionally maintained a science-based and pragmatic approach to biotechnology with regards to cultivation and imports, which ultimately favors the competitiveness of its robust livestock sector.
Spain is a net importer of grains and oilseeds as domestic production is not sufficient to meet the demand of Spain’s export-oriented livestock sector. Grain yields in Spain are closely related to the amount and timeliness of precipitation. Spanish grain imports vary from 9 to 12 million Metric Tons (MT), depending on the size of the domestic crop. Soybean and soybean imports combined amount to nearly 6 million MT.
Bulk commodities remain the U.S. largest agricultural exports product group to Spain. However, U.S. exports of bulk commodities vary significantly depending on competition of other origins.
MON810 corn has been commercially grown in Spain since 1998. Total area planted to corn varies every year based on water availability, irrigation costs, prices paid to farmers and competition from alternative crops. In 2014, a reduction in area planted corn is anticipated; hence, GE corn plantings projections are also expected to decline.
Spain’s position on renationalization of cultivation decisions has evolved through the years towards a more open approach. Spain supported the current renationalization proposal in an attempt to move forward and open the door to cultivation of new events, provided that the role of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) remains unchanged.
While field trials are allowed in Spain, they are subject to prior notice and authorization. Notifications to competent authorities for open field testing have significantly declined in the last five years, reflecting how regulatory constraints in the EU, which result in delayed approvals, create an unattractive investment environment for seed companies.
Source: USDA
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