Genetically modified maize imports anger farmers

South Africa has approved imports of genetically modified corn from the US for the first time after its worst drought since records began 104 years ago. The nation will allow white and yellow GM corn imports from the US, Dirk Kok, a spokesperson for South African Cereals and Oilseeds and Trade Association, said this week. “The door is open to imports from the US,” said Kok, whose organisation represents grain and oilseed traders. “Local prices will come down,” he said. The drought slashed the total harvest by about a quarter to 7.97 million tons, the least in a decade. White corn surged to a record R5 296 ($385) a metric ton in January and has fallen 28% since on the SA Futures Exchange in Johannesburg. The decision “is critical”, Wandile Sihlobo, the head of economic and agribusiness intelligence at the Agricultural Business Chamber, said. “We are going to see a stronger correlation between the yellow maize price and the US price. The reaction of the South African farmers is going to be interesting.” Grain SA, the biggest organisation representing corn farmers, is opposed to the new imports, chief executive officer Jannie de Villiers said. “We think this is a bit of unfair trade because American farmers have better access to technology and now we have to compete with them,” he said. “The price should go down. If there was enough in Mexico, why are we opening it up to the Americans to have a shot at the SA market?” – Bloomberg