Permits issued to allow for first imports of GM maize from the US
Local farmers are opposed the imports of genetically modified maize from the US as they are likely to push prices lower
26 January 2017 - 08:46
SA issued permits to allow total imports of 1.3-million metric tonnes of genetically modified (GM) maize from the US since allowing entry of the grain for the first time in December after the worst drought since records began in 1904. There had been 15 permits issued for GM maize, said Makenosi Maroo, a Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries spokesperson, said on Wednesday. She did not say whether the permits were for white or yellow maize. SA became a net importer of maize for the first time since 2008 in the marketing season that ended in April, after the drought slashed local harvests.
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