The soybeans from Ukraine are popular in the Netherlands, which is mainly due to the low price. However, the fact that this soy is generally GMO-free also plays a role. Recent research has now shown that nearly half of the country's soy is genetically modified.
This research is mainly important for the Netherlands. Our country is currently by far the largest European importer of Ukrainian soya. The Netherlands imports more than €70 million worth of soy from the country every year.
Half is genetically modified
The research covers 6 important cultivation areas in Ukraine. Nearly half of the samples taken turned out to be genetically modified. However, it is unclear how this soy ended up in Ukraine.
The American Agricultural Council has previously announced that about 80% of the soybean acreage in Ukraine is a GMO variety. According to a spokesperson for the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl), this not only concerns soya, but also maize. "The percentages are just lower there."
Significantly higher prices
Soy that is GMO-free is traded at considerably higher prices. The price can sometimes be up to €100 per ton higher. In Ukraine (unlike Europe) it is not illegal to grow genetically modified crops; provided that an official registration has been requested.
However, in many cases this is not the case. And the soy and corn are then supplied as GMO-free. The Dutch animal feed industry often pays for a GMO-free product that later turns out not to be free of genetic modification.
Major producer
Ukraine has grown soy on approximately 1,7 million hectares this year, making it by far the largest producer of soy in Europe. For comparison: a total of 3 million hectares of soy is grown in the European Union.
Although this is little compared to production in South America, soy from the country is important for the Dutch animal feed sector. This is simply because Ukraine is just around the corner and transport costs are therefore relatively low.