Biotech Updates

FAS Report on Biotech in Portugal

September 30, 2011

Despite adverse regulations and judicial decisions, area planted to genetically modified corn in Portugal is expected to significantly increase by 50% in 2011. Higher overall corn area, severe corn borer attacks in the previous season, and the suspension of new applications to agri-environmental payments in 2010 are predicted to increase yields.

Policy changes as a result of the inclusion of Agriculture and Environment under the newly formed Ministry of Agriculture, Sea, Environment, and Land Planning is perceived to bring about changes. In particular is the cultivation dossier which sets responsibility for allowing, restricting or banning the cultivation of GM varieties in part or all of a country's territory.

Portugal is the second largest producer of GM crops int he European Union.

The full report is at http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/AGRICULTURAL%20BIOTECHNOLOGY%20ANNUAL_Lisbon_Portugal_8-5-2011.pdf