During the first week of June, members of MAIZALL (the international maize alliance) traveled to Europe on a mission to discuss their message with grains producers, consumers and European Union officials. The alliance – comprised of corn producer representatives from the United States, Brazil and Argentina – emphasized the importance of modern agricultural practices, including the acceptance of biotechnology.
“We’re introducing the European Union to the fact that this coalition has formed,” said Nathan Fields, director of biotechnology and economic analysis at the National Corn Growers Association, a member organization of MAIZALL. “We need a more predictable and timely regulatory system to adequately supply this diverse market.”
Working Toward Global Food Security
MAIZALL’s goal in emphasizing modern agricultural practices is to work toward feeding a growing world population. To accomplish this, the alliance understands that synchronized biotechnology approvals and uninhibited trade will be required.
“We are competitors in a global market with a common desire for an open and transparent corn trading system that allows our surpluses to move unobstructed around the globe,” said Julius Schaaf, U.S. Grains Council chairman and MAIZALL president.
In doing so, MAIZALL aims to work with all importing countries to ensure that each of their biotechnology approval processes is timely and scientifically-based.
“We didn’t go to the EU to change their philosophy or their legislation on approvals. We wanted to encourage them to follow the timelines of their approval process according to their legislation,” stated Pam Johnson, NCGA chairwoman.
Reaching out to EU Officials and End-Users of Corn
During the mission, MAIZALL members met with many groups, including corn and livestock producers in Portugal and Spain. These end-users were receptive to the mission’s message, as lagging biotechnology approval has hindered their businesses. In the Spanish livestock industry in particular, growth was thwarted by the high costs of feed corn, since producers have to pay 30 percent more for non-genetically modified feed.
The alliance also met with Ministry of Agriculture officials in Portugal and Spain as well as the U.S., Brazilian and Argentine embassies in those countries.
The mission concluded with discussions at several European Commission offices, European agribusiness groups and EU member state delegations in Brussels. These meetings gave MAIZALL corn producers a chance to share their viewpoints and positive experiences with modern farming technologies to key EU audiences.
In this mission to the EU, MAIZALL members expressed the need for transparent, synchronous biotechnology approvals to feed a growing world population. The alliance will continue to build on the relationships established during this mission and seek ways to collaborate with the European farm and livestock industries. MAIZALL will continue to bring its message to Europe and the world to pursue the goal of global food security.