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Freeburg, IL |
EU failure to set allowable tolerance for non-approved biotech traits leads to suspension of the Market Choices program.
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The Market Choices grain marketing program and certification mark were established in 2002 by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) to help growers and grain handlers identify and segregate non-European Union approved corn hybrids away from the EU export market. However, since 2007, a zero tolerance for biotech traits not fully approved by the European Union has made importation of U.S. corn and derived products into the EU virtually impossible.
In discussions again this fall, no agreement could be reached with the EU to grant an allowable tolerance that would lead to resumed trade of U.S. corn. After careful consideration of the effectiveness, usefulness and value of the Marketing Choices certification mark, ASTA has decided to suspend its use.
With the Market Choices suspension, there will no longer be a formal stewardship program to segregate corn or corn products for shipment to the EU. If individual companies wish to export to the EU, they will need to develop their own private stewardship programs.
ASTA notes that if the European Commission should provide for a commercially viable tolerance or demonstrate a functioning regulatory system for the approval of biotech events, ASTA would evaluate re-establishing the use of the Market Choices® certification mark and the related program
ASTA press release: http://www.amseed.com/newsDetail.asp?id=173
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
• It is recognized that literature and seed packaging materials have been procured with the MC logo prior to this decision by ASTA and that a phase-in period will be necessary. It is not necessary to replace seed packaging materials, but new materials will not be printed with the MC information. Use of existing literature and documents with the MC information/logo is acceptable. As literature and documents are updated, references to Market Choices and use of the Market Choices logo should be discontinued.
• Information regarding regulatory approval of biotech events in export markets will continue to be available through the “Know Before You Grow” information service provided by the National Corn Growers Association at www.ncga.com.
Market Choices is a registered certification mark used under license from ASTA. | |
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Goodbye Market Choices
