United Kingdom: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual
The United Kingdom’s potential exit from the European Union (Brexit) will not change policy or trade in genetically engineered plants or animals in the short to medium term. Longer-term modifications could be possible, depending on the legal basis that the United Kingdom (UK) may or may not leave the EU. The UK represents 10 to 15 percent of EU imports of soy, corn and other animal feed products likely to be derived from genetic engineering. Soybean meal is the largest import, mainly from Argentina, with the United States the major supplier of Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS). Livestock industries remain protein-deficient and timely European Union approvals of new GE crops is key. The UK intends to retain its leadership in both GE plant and animal research, and increase applied science and knowledge exchange.
