The long-delayed decision came after years of industry leadership and efforts, especially those partners of the Council USGC in the E.U., including COCERAL, a grain trade association, FEFAC, a feed millers association, and the Irish Feed Millers Association.
“This approval is a great success as it opens the window of opportunity for U.S. products, including DDGS and CGF, to enter the E.U. market. This is especially attractive in big markets like Ireland, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands. Their ability to import these high-protein feed ingredients is critical at a time of crop shortage in Europe and high prices. Everyone is looking for alternatives,” said Cary Sifferath, USGC senior regional director based in Tunis.
Sifferath noted, however, the opportunity may only exist for a limited amount of time as new crop biotech events coming down the pipeline are not yet approved in Europe. Such products may be planted by U.S. farmers in the spring, meaning they may enter the market in the fall of 2013. This could again stall sales of U.S. co-products into the E.U. provided the approval process remains sluggish within the trade bloc.
"Corn co-products are a tremendous feed ingredient recognized as a good value by buyers within Europe and around the world," Sifferath said. "Approvals such as this help livestock and poultry producers manage costs and expand options, and we are hopeful the availability of these options continue well into the future."
