JAPAN BANS U.S. WHEAT AFTER GMO WHEAT FIND

By ANNA ELLIOTT
Published: May 31, 2013 | 0 Comments

Japan and South Korea suspended some imports of U.S. wheat while the European Union and other countries increased inspection after a strain of unapproved genetically modified wheat was found growing in Oregon.

The Department of Agriculture announced the discovery of the tainted wheat on Wednesday. After testing the wheat, USDA officials said it was the same strain that was designed and tested by Monsanto between 1998 and 2005 to resist its Roundup herbicide. Monsanto applied for permission to develop the genetically modified wheat, but the USDA denied the request ending the wheat tests in 2004.

No one seems to know how this illegal wheat ended up in Oregon, but countries who import U.S. wheat are not happy about it.

This prompted Japan, a top importer of U.S. wheat, to cancel plans to purchase 25,000 metric tons of western white wheat on Thursday. Japan imports 90% of its wheat, 3 million metric tons of that wheat are imported from the U.S.

South Korea, which purchased half of its wheat imports from the U.S. last year, is also taking precautionary measures. South Korea announced Friday it will also suspend imports until tests are performed on current shipments.

The E.U. said Friday they will also test incoming wheat and will not sell any modified wheat they may receive.

Many fear that the mystery wheat could have implications for the future of U.S. wheat trade. If the wheat bans holds, the U.S. could face increased competition from Russia, the Ukraine and Australia. Another concern is that if wheat buyers turn to other providers, Oregon’s farmers and economy would suffer. Oregon wheat crop value is estimated between $300 and $500 million annually.

The USDA said that the modified wheat is safe to eat and there is no evidence that the wheat has entered the commercial market.

http://www.libertynews.com/2013/05/j...mo-wheat-find/