Transgenic wheat flour from Argentina got world first approval in Brazil

By Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages

The CTNBio (National Biosafety Technical Commission) approved last Thursday (11/11), the use of transgenic wheat flour in Brazil, based on a request made by the Argentine company Bioceres. Bioceres is the manufacturer of HB4 wheat – which arrives in Brazil via TMG (Tropical Melhoramento Genetico).

The genetically modified winter cereal (GMO) was launched in the neighboring country last year, having as its main attraction its high resistance to lack of water. This characteristic is considered by specialists heard by Agrolink as essential to make the culture viable in several places in Brazil - which could contribute to the country being able to expand the offer, reach self-sufficiency and guarantee food security, as it is an agricultural product in which Brazil is still dependent on external supply.

Bioceres HB4 wheat is also resistant to the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium. The variety was developed by the Argentine biotechnology company in collaboration with the Universidad Nacional del Litoral and Conicet (National Council for Scientific and Technical Research).

The approval of transgenic wheat, however, is surrounded by controversy, as it has been challenged by various sectors. One of those resistant to the GMO winter cereal is the Brazilian Association of the Wheat Industry (Abitrigo), representative of the wheat flour and derivatives industry.

“Despite the strong rejection of the international market in the last 20 years, unfortunately, Brazil will become known as the first country to approve the use of transgenic wheat in the world. This decision, laden with uncertainties in the context of developments before the market and the international community, was taken based on criteria that affect safety, without further study on market conditions and consumer behavior," said Abitrigo in an official note.

According to the organization, “the possible impact on Brazilian exports of by-products (pasta, biscuits, and bread) and unpredictable breakdowns on the image of Agribusiness cannot be ignored. As provided for in Brazilian legislation, Abitrigo will request the Civil House of the Presidency of the Republic to immediately convene the National Biosafety Committee, composed of several Ministers, to analyze, in a more comprehensive manner, the implications of the presence of transgenic wheat in Argentina on the Brazilian market”.

Abitrigo states that it will analyze the taking of precautionary measures to suspend the implementation of the CTNBio's decision until the pronouncement of the National Biosafety Committee.