SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa is set to import genetically modified (GMO) soybeans from the United States to bridge a significant production shortfall after a drought-stricken 2023/2024 agricultural season.
The country, which has long been self-sufficient in soybean production, recorded a 35% drop in output, producing only 1.8 million tonnes, the lowest in four years.
The shortfall has left a gap of 200,000 tonnes, forcing South Africa to seek external supplies to meet domestic demand.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is preparing to issue permits for these imports.
The USDA’s October 7 report highlights that this move is part of the government’s effort to ensure that local demand for soybeans, particularly in the animal feed industry, is met.
Soybeans in South Africa are primarily used to produce soybean meal, a critical ingredient in animal feed. This sector consumes over 2.1 million tonnes of plant protein meals annually, with soybean meal accounting for over 70%.
The move is vital, as the demand for feed has been rising as the country’s livestock and poultry industries continue to expand. However, the drought, largely induced by the El Niño climate phenomenon, severely impacted agricultural production.
South Africa’s reliance on genetically modified crops is well-established, with around 95% of soybean production already using GMO seeds.
Importation of GMO soybeans from the U.S. aligns with South Africa’s GMO regulatory framework, which allows for the import of genetically modified products as long as the exporting country has approved the same or fewer varieties than those accepted in South Africa.
This ensures that the country’s stringent GMO regulations are adhered to while securing the necessary imports to stabilize the market.
“Import permits are issued for the importation of batches of genetically modified products, regardless of the crop and country, provided that the exporting country has approved the same or fewer number and type of varieties than South Africa,” the American organization underlines in its report, citing South African legislation on GMOs.
The United States, the world’s second-largest soybean exporter after Brazil, is expected to play a key role in filling South Africa’s supply gap.
The import permits will ensure that the soybean meal production industry, vital for animal feed and overall food security, continues to operate without major disruptions.
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