Latest news with #GM-derived
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
India, US trade deal may backfire on EU exports if India opens door to GM feed: GTRI
India risks losing its export competitiveness in the European market if it allows genetically modified (GM) animal feed imports from the United States under the upcoming trade deal, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative ( GTRI ). The economic think tank issued a cautionary statement on Saturday, highlighting the impact such a move could have on India's agricultural shipments to key markets like the European Union (EU), known for its strict stance on genetically modified products. India and the US are currently negotiating an interim trade pact, which is expected to be announced before July 9. Among the proposals being considered is the import of GM-derived products such as soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a by-product made during ethanol production, usually from corn or other grains, for use in animal feed. GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava said the consequences of such imports could be severe for India's agri-export sector, especially when it comes to European buyers who maintain strong resistance to GM-linked products. While GM feed is technically permitted in the EU, many European consumers prefer fully GM-free supply chains, and the region enforces stringent GM labelling regulations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Prince William & Kate Met Princess Diana's Secret Daughter. Plays Star Undo Srivastava warned that India's fragmented agricultural logistics network and absence of proper segregation systems increase the risk of cross-contamination. This could lead to trace GM presence in export consignments, potentially triggering shipment rejections and additional testing expenses. More importantly, it could damage India's image as a GMO-free supplier in sensitive segments such as rice, tea, honey, spices, and organic foods. "This could lead to shipment rejections, higher testing costs, and erosion of India's GMO-free image, especially in sensitive sectors like rice, tea, honey, spices, and organic foods. Without robust traceability and labeling systems, GM feed imports could hurt India's export competitiveness in the EU," Srivastava said. Live Events You Might Also Like: India weighs GM-free 'self-certification' for US food imports He described genetically modified crops as plants that have been engineered by introducing specific genes—often from bacteria, viruses, other plants, or in some cases, animals—into their DNA to give them traits such as pest resistance or tolerance to herbicides. For example, the BT gene from the bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis allows the plant to produce a protein toxic to specific insects. Genes from soil bacteria have also been used to help plants survive herbicides. Srivastava clarified that although GM crops are biologically plant-based and considered vegetarian, the presence of animal-origin genes in some crops might pose issues for communities or individuals with strict religious or ethical interpretations of vegetarianism. He added that studies suggest GM DNA breaks down during digestion and does not enter the animal's meat, milk, or other produce. "Therefore, foods like milk or chicken are not classified as GM, even if the animals were fed GM feed. However, critics argue that this blurs the line for consumers who wish to avoid GM-associated products entirely," he said. On whether farmers can reuse seeds from genetically modified crops, Srivastava said GM seeds are usually not reusable for both legal and biological reasons. They are often patented and sold with contracts that forbid saving and replanting. Additionally, many GM crops are hybrids, and seeds collected from them generally perform poorly when reused. He pointed out that in India, Bt cotton is the only GM crop officially approved for cultivation. Though some farmers have attempted to reuse Bt cotton seeds, the results have typically been substandard. You Might Also Like: India and Trump are haggling over the same constituency Srivastava said contamination risks persist globally, as GM and non-GM crops can mix at various stages including transport, storage, and processing. According to GTRI, India maintains a cautious stance on GM crops. Currently, only Bt cotton is approved for cultivation, and no GM food crop has received commercial approval, though field trials are ongoing. The country allows imports of genetically modified soybean oil and canola oil, but does not permit imports of GM grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, or other food and feed products. GM feed materials like soybean meal and DDGS remain banned, Srivastava said. You Might Also Like: Refrain from signing trade pact with US: Kerala to Centre India may allow GM animal-feed imports from US in trade deal (with PTI inputs)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Grain Diplomacy: US GM Feed Could Break India Trade Deadlock, Legal News, ET LegalWorld
Advt By , ETLegalWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETLegalWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETLegalWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. As the July 9 deadline for concluding the India-US trade deal approaches, a quiet yet potentially transformative breakthrough is emerging. India is considering allowing imports of select genetically modified (GM) products used in animal feed—a move that could unlock an ambitious new phase in bilateral development could offer a pragmatic path forward in a negotiation otherwise gridlocked over sensitive issues like dairy and agricultural tariffs. Sources close to the talks confirm that India may permit the inbound shipment of soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS)—two key by-products of US corn and soy production widely used as animal middle-ground solution avoids direct exposure to politically sensitive sectors like food and dairy, while still delivering economic value to both sides. For the US, it provides a win for its powerful farm lobby. For India, it helps support its growing poultry and livestock industries by enhancing feed availability and possibly stabilizing domestic prices.'It's a smart compromise,' said a senior official familiar with the negotiations. 'It maintains India's food sovereignty and farmer protections while signaling openness to calibrated trade liberalisation .'Beyond the immediate deal, this step could mark the beginning of a more nuanced approach to GM-related imports. While food-grade GM crops remain restricted, India already imports GM-derived edible oils. Introducing GM-based feedstock represents a strategic shift in policy thinking, balancing food safety concerns with economic announcements on the deal, which may be unveiled in phases, are expected no later than midnight of July 6. Officials suggest that while dairy and core farm tariffs are off the table for now, a broader spirit of flexibility and mutual respect is guiding the successful, the agreement could pave the way for a deeper, more resilient economic partnership between the world's two largest democracies—anchored in pragmatism, respect for domestic priorities, and a shared vision for the future.
