Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 March 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Thursday, 18 March 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will estimate the volume of farm animal feed that has been consumed since the introduction of genetically-modified material to such feed. - Inc figs. (Holding answer 8 March 1999).

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the volume of farm animal feed that has been consumed since the introduction of genetically modified material to such feed. [75106] Mr. Rooker: [holding answer 8 March 1999]: In total, about 20 million tonnes of animal feed were purchased in both 1997 and 1998 by livestock farmers for use on their farms, which included some 3.6 million tonnes of imported soya and maize products. A proportion of this would have been derived from GM crops. However, in the absence of crop segregation and specific labelling requirements, it is not possible to know the precise amount. In addition, farmers will have fed material from home-produced crops which would not have contained any genetically modified materials.

Secondary information