More than 90% of soybean corn grown in the United States is genetically modified

2014-05-07 Developments

2014-05-07 09:15 |

xinhuanet news on May 7; Michael Shackman, the biotechnology coordinator of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, stated in Beijing on the 6th that more than 90% of soybeans and corn grown in the United States are genetically modified varieties. The consumption of genetically modified crops in the United States is very common, such as using genetically modified soybeans as animal feed and soybean oil, and using genetically modified corn as ethanol, feed and processed foods.

Michael Shackman made the above remarks in an interview with reporters during the meeting in Beijing. He said that the most successful commercialization in the United States is genetically modified soybeans, which has a history of nearly 20 years. Many Americans use soybean oil made of genetically modified soybeans for baking and frying. So far, no safety problems have been found. The genetically modified agricultural products exported by the United States are the same as those consumed locally.

He said that the United States does not force the labeling of genetically modified foods, and food labels are only marked when it comes to safety and use methods. Farmers can apply for labeling of organic food, and consumers can choose certified organic food if they are not willing to eat genetically modified food.

"My colleagues and I both eat genetically modified foods." Michael Shackman said that two-thirds of the food in American supermarkets contains genetically modified ingredients, and many American families eat foods processed from genetically modified crops every day, such as breakfast corn flakes.

It is understood that in 2012/2013, the U.S. corn output was 273.8 million tons, of which 263.6 million tons were for local consumption. Soybean production was 82.6 million tons, of which 26.3 million tons were consumed locally as soybean meal and 8.5 million tons were made into soybean oil for local consumption and food processing.

In terms of exports, the United States exported 39.1 million tons of soybeans and 24 million tons of corn in 2013, of which 24.6 million tons and 4 million tons were exported to China. The five major exporters of U.S. soybeans include China, Mexico, Japan, Indonesia and Germany, which are mainly used for feed and edible oil; the main exporters of U.S. corn are Mexico, Japan, China, Venezuela and Colombia, which are mainly used for feed. (Source: Boyi Master)