Browse Data and Analysis

The EU's intricate biotechnology policy hinders research and restricts innovative tools for farmers. This results in substantial imports of genetically engineered (GE) feed and limited domestic GE crop production.

Despite the private sector's support for biotechnology, Venezuela maintains a ban on the domestic use and research of modern biotechnology-derived agriculture. Venezuela’s basis for the ban is through the Seed Law of December 2015, which also prohibits the importation of genetically engineered (GE) seeds.

Ghana’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) on Friday September 15, 2023, approved the Bt cowpea event 245F (Cry2Ab) for environmental release.

Although Mozambique has not yet approved the use of genetically engineered (GE) crops, an effort has been made to start drafting an updated biosafety/biotechnology law that will allow GE commercialization.

India remains undecided on genetically engineered (GE) crops and products derived from biotechnology (biotech) for food and feed use.

Brazil is the second-largest producer of biotech crops in the world with 105 events approved. For the 2022/2023 crop season, FAS Brasilia forecasts 68 million hectares planted with GE traits. Adoption rates for soybeans and cotton reached 99 percent and for corn, 95 percent.

Angola currently does not allow the production of genetically engineered (GE) plants or animals. Food aid imports containing GE ingredients are permitted with certain conditions.

On December 7, 2023, the Veterinary Service at the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic informed the U.S. Department of Agriculture in writing that they will no longer accept the U.S. Department of Agriculture's, Food Safety Inspection Service, 9060-5 Meat and Poultry Export Certificate of Wholesomeness. USDA is actively working to resolve this issue.

Rice export prices increased 2-4 percent as the Thai baht strengthened and new crop rice harvesting was nearly completed.

Although Indonesian dairy production is still reeling from the 2022 Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, imports of dairy ingredients are expected to decline in 2023.

Since its European Union (EU) accession in 2004, Lithuania has consistently harmonized its domestic food and agricultural regulations with EU standards.

This report is intended to supplement the FAS U.S. Mission to the EU's Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) Certificate report with Italy-specific information.