French farmers destroy 20.000 hectares of rapeseed

Farmers in France have destroyed about 20.000 hectares of rapeseed. This is because it turned out that a genetically modified variety was used that is not allowed. However, even without this destruction, the rapeseed acreage in the country shows a sharp decline.

The unapproved breed is said to be a Canadian breed developed by Monsanto. The seed has been sold in both France and Germany. All fields on which this variety has been sown must be destroyed before the crop blooms.

Bayer, which has since acquired Monsanto, has confirmed that the company will investigate the incident. The farmers who sowed the variety will be compensated for the loss they suffer from the destruction of the crop.

French acreage shifts
The rapeseed acreage in France decreases by 18,5% and therefore amounts to approximately 1,3 million hectares. The sugar beet acreage in France also shows a sharp decline: -6,3%. However, this decline is offset by growth in the wheat and potato area.

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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