An updated report from a leading grain market economist and Professor of Economics at Iowa State University says the introduction of genetically modified wheat in the U.S. still risks the loss of one-third to one-half of U.S. wheat export markets and up to a one-third drop in price.

And the problem is not just with GM crops in the pipeline, as the American Corn Growers Association noted this week. "Last Friday corn prices were only $1.63 per bu. in both Utica, S.D. and Wayne, Neb., a disastrous price, due largely to the failure of the current 'export oriented' farm policy to deliver on corn exports as promised," said Larry Mitchell, ACGA CEO. "If the crafters of the current U.S. farm policy still believe it is 'export oriented' they should require the biotech companies to get onboard. Biotech arrogance is losing U.S. exports. Maybe those same biotech companies should be sent the bill for lost corn markets, low corn prices and the resulting high cost of the farm program."
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http://www.worc.org/issues/art_issues/gmwheat.html

In May 2004, Monsanto announced that it was shelving research and development on genetically modified (GM) wheat. The announcement followed five years of opposition by wheat farmers, consumers, and food safety activists to the commercial introduction of Roundup Ready wheat.

May 2005:

Prospects for introducing genetically modified (GM) wheat in the U.S. haven't improved since Monsanto shelved its research and development plans one year ago, according to Dr. Robert Wisner, a leading grain market economist [and University Professor of Economics at Iowa State University].

Introduction of genetically modified wheat in the U.S. still risks the loss of one-third to one-half of U.S. hard red spring and durum wheat export markets and up to a one-third drop in price, according to the latest update of an October 2003 report, Market Risks of Genetically Modified Wheat.

Read WORC's press release (see below)
http://www.worc.org/media/worc_news_articles/pr_wisner05-10.html
Read summary of Dr. Wisner's update [pdf-33k]
http://www.worc.org/pdfs/wisnersummary-05-05.pdf
Read Dr. Wisner's latest update of report [pdf-48k]
http://www.worc.org/pdfs/Final Updated GMO wheat report.pdf
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Genetically Modified Wheat Still Risky One Year after Monsanto Shelves Plan
Update Says European and Asian Consumers Still Not Round-up Ready
Western Organization of Resource Councils, USA
http://www.worc.org/media/worc_news_articles/pr_wisner05-10.html

BILLINGS, MONT. - Prospects for introducing genetically modified (GM) wheat in the U.S. haven't improved since Monsanto shelved its research and development plans one year ago, according to Dr. Robert Wisner, a leading grain market economist.

Introduction of genetically modified wheat in the U.S. still risks the loss of up to half U.S. wheat export markets and a one-third drop in price, according to the latest update of an October 2003 report, Market Risks of Genetically Modified Wheat, released today by the Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC). Dr. Wisner is the University Professor of Economics at Iowa State University.

"One year after Monsanto's decision, consumers in Europe and Asia remain resistant to GM crops," said Todd Leake, a wheat grower from Grand Forks, N.D., and WORC spokesperson. "Introducing GM wheat would open the door for our competitors to take more of the export market and depress prices paid to U.S. wheat growers."

The report covers policy changes, trends, and other developments that may affect market risk, including:

*Some European Union (EU) policies on GM crops and food are changing, but so far, consumer attitudes have not.

*Ten central and eastern European nations joined the EU, increasing the number of countries with food labeling programs.

*Labeling allows consumers in these countries to show their preferences about GM food to food companies, wheat producers and to the seed industry.

Monsanto developed GM hard red spring wheat to resist the commonly used Round-Up® herbicide. The company indefinitely postponed release of its GM wheat in May 2004, compelled by the market resistance documented by Dr. Wisner’s original report. In that report, Dr. Wisner found:

*A large majority of foreign consumers and wheat buyers do not want GM wheat. At least 37 countries
had mandatory labeling programs for food with GM ingredients as of October 2003.

*Commercialization of GM wheat in the U.S. now or in the next few years would create a high risk of loss of one-third to one-half of U.S. hard red spring and durum wheat exports.

*The European market for U.S. hard red spring and durum wheat likely would be lost completely.

*Hard red spring and durum wheat prices could fall by one-third, to feed wheat levels.

*Increased government program payments would only partially offset lower wheat prices.

*Plummeting prices would lead to lost wheat acreage, loss of revenue to farm-related and rural non-farm businesses, and falling local and state tax revenues.

*Market risks for GM wheat are substantially greater than for GM corn and soybeans.

Unlike wheat, most corn and soybeans are fed to livestock or processed into oils and sweeteners. The U.S. share of world exports is much smaller for wheat than corn or soybeans, and domestic demand for corn (unlike wheat) is growing rapidly.

The issue is consumer acceptance. Consumers are the driving force in countries where food labeling allows choice. Governmental approval does not guarantee consumer acceptance.

WORC is a network of grassroots organizations from seven states that include 8,750 members and 50 local community groups. WORC helps its members succeed by providing training and by coordinating regional issue campaigns.

CONTACT:
Dr. Robert Wisner, 515-294-7318; Todd Leake, 701-594-4275; or John Smillie or Kevin Dowling, WORC staff, 406-252-9672

Western Organization of Resource Councils
2401 Montana Avenue, #301 Billings, Montana 59101 406.252.9672 [email protected]

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