Markets for non-Genetically Modified, Identity-Preserved soybean in the EU

Abstract

This report is based on a study whose main objective was to collect information about the functioning of the EU markets for non-Genetically Modified (non-GM), Identity Preserved (IP) soybean and derived products. Data on volume of imports of non-GM soybean and soybean meal, on the use of those by EU Member States and by the different feed sub-sectors, as well as on prices, were collected from different sources. In addition, a survey to 360 operators in the soybean supply chain was conducted. Based on this study, we estimate that about 8.3% and 11.3% of the soybean and soybean meal imported by a group of 14 EU countries is segregated as non-GM. This represents about 2.7 million tonnes of soybean meal equivalent, mainly imported through the Netherlands, followed by Germany and France. However, the use of soybean meal for the production for non-GM IP compound feed is led by a different group of country that includes Germany, Hungary, France, the United-Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Austria, by order of importance in absolute value. The demand for non-GM IP compound feed is driven by the poultry sector, followed by the cattle (for beef and dairy) and the pork sectors.