Poland allows GMO soy used in animal feed starting 2016

Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski has recently signed an amendment on the law of animal feeding, which allows the use of genetically modified soybeans in animal nutrition starting 2016.

He noted that this decision is "economically and socially reasonable." He added that without this amendment, poultry and pork producers in the country could face difficulties.

However, the decision was criticised by the Ministry of agriculture.

"Poland should be free of GMO products. There are a lot of reasons for this for example the health of people, the protection of environment and the need for the maintenance of biological diversity” , said Mark Kalembe  Minister of Agriculture of Poland, in an interview.

"Products that contain genetically modified organisms must be specially marked, so the public has the right to choose” he adds.

However, the minister also pointed out that the ban on the use of GMO in animal feed could lead to the collapse of production. He noted that if such a ban would be introduced immediately, it could lead to a drop in volume of meat production, people may lose their jobs and there will be no export surplus

Large reforms

The minister also said that his agency is considering reforming the feed industry in the country, with the introduction of possibly increasing the use of products in animal protein such as canola and corn. He said that he would like to speak with the EU officials including the Commissioner for Agriculture Dacianem Ciolosem about restoring of the use of meat and bone meal in animal feeding.

He also pointed out that currently the issue of GMO crops cultivation in Poland, is not legally regulated. This means that there is no registration of these cultures, but we know that in the country they are actively cultivated.

Due to this fact according to the Minister, the European Commission threatened Poland with sanctions. "You have to adjust the law to reduce the risk of penalties," quoted Kalembe the words of EU officials.