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THAILAND: GM CROP IMPORTS RISING
Imports of GM crops on the rise
15 December 2006. Source: CropBiotech Update knowledge.center@isaaa.org
Vithet Srinet, from the Office of Policy and Planning, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand has indicated that the import of genetically modified (GM) agricultural products to the country, such as corn and soybean, is on the rise.
Soybean import went up from 418,788 ton in 1996 to 1,435,801 ton in 2004. In 2007 Thailand is predicted to import 1.7 million ton worth 12,000 million Baht (US$340.7 million), and 85% of these imports will be GM. Imported soybeans are mainly used for oil extraction and for animal feeds, and a small amount is used in the food industry to produce bean curd and soybean sauce.
Mr. Setasan Setakarun, President of Soybean Oil Producer Association, has asked the government to review the Thai GMO policy, indicating that there are several markets open for biotech products, and that GM and organic markets can coexist.
For more information, contact the Biotechnology and Biosafety Information Centre of Thailand at safetybio@yahoo.com
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