Operators across Europe’s non-GMO supply chain are uniting against proposed deregulation of new genomic techniques (NGTs), with a strong call for choice and transparency emerging from the recent non-GMO Summit in Frankfurt. Organized by key industry groups—Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik (VLOG), ARGE Gentechnik-frei, Donau Soja, European Non-GMO Industry Association (ENGA), and ProTerra Foundation—the event​​ drew attention to the need for consistent non-GMO standards as regulatory pressures mount.

Alexander Hissting, managing director of VLOG, emphasized the enduring strength of Europe’s non-GMO market, affirming that the sector “is here to stay.” He is closely watching the debate on deregulation of NGTs​​, which could influence the non-GMO market. However, this discussion hasn’t yet reached the everyday operations of food producers or retailers, he claimed. While some have been informed and even signed letters regarding possible deregulation, they feel there’s no need for immediate action until concrete regulations are in place, he noted. 

Hissting also noted that the topic has minimal media coverage and limited public awareness; most consumers likely haven’t heard about NGTs and, therefore, have not altered their purchasing habits.

He expressed concern about the future impact on non-GMO labeling standards if deregulation allows NGT crops to enter the European market without labeling. This scenario, he told us, would add complexity to maintaining non-GMO quality assurances. He emphasized that detection tools are crucial for tracking NGTs in the food chain, highlighting the importance of having affordable and practical options available.

Additionally, ENGA wants a clear liability framework based on the “polluter pays” principle, ensuring that any contamination of non-GMO products is addressed financially by those responsible.

Furthermore, the organization supports an opt-out mechanism allowing individual EU countries to restrict NGTs within their borders. Although this proposal has not yet been included in EU policy discussions, said Heike Moldenhauer, secretary general of ENGA.

Global poultry market growth in 2023 is expected to be slow, reaching only 1%, according to a recent report from Rabobank. Global poultry markets are well positioned to gradually improve in Q4 2023 and early 2024, although the level will depend on how well-balanced they are.

After a period of slow poultry consumption growth due to a weak global economy and rising prices resulting from cost increases, global demand has room for some recovery, driven mainly by lower feed costs and, therefore, lower chicken prices. Markets will stay highly price-driven, but poultry should be able to benefit from its relatively competitive pricing in many markets compared to other proteins like beef, pork, and alternative proteins.

Rabobank sees improving market conditions in the US, Mexico, Japan, South Africa, Indonesia, and China. However, the situation in Indonesia and China will be fragile. The EU market has been strong, but high levels of fresh chicken imports are creating pressure. Brazil and Thailand face more challenging conditions and will need more supply growth discipline in oversupplied domestic markets.

Global trade is expected to stay strong in 2H 2023 after reaching a record-high 7.2 million tonnes in the first half of the year, driven entirely by increased trade of raw poultry meat, while trade in processed poultry meat dropped sharply. Amid more price-driven markets, consumers’ product preferences are changing, and this trend is expected to continue in 2H 2023 and into 2024.

Brazil is expected to benefit the most as a cost-price leader in raw chicken meat, while Thailand and China need to refocus on raw chicken trade, which will challenge these exporters’ value position.

Government interventions driven by food security, geopolitics, and sustainability will continue to impact markets and create volatility in global trade. Avian influenza will remain an important factor that could suddenly impact global markets, from both a local supply perspective and a trade perspective, especially if Brazil’s southern states are hit.

Producers should maintain focus on the operational side. Although we believe feed prices will drop slightly, operational costs are still at historic highs, and risks of further volatility exist in grain prices (due to El Niño) and in energy prices and availability. Ongoing leadership in terms of costs and procurement will remain key. Additionally, producers should fine-tune supply to changes in poultry demand related to products, distribution, and market development.

French animal health group Ceva has withdrawn a legal challenge to a tender to supply avian flu vaccine to France, in which it lost out to Germany’s Boehringer Ingelheim. France chose Boehringer Ingelheim to supply 80 million doses of bird flu vaccine needed for its first vaccination campaign in ducks, due to start in October. The plan will make France the first country in the European Union to vaccinate poultry against the virus that has ravaged flocks worldwide. Ceva has decided to drop its appeal against the outcome of the tender in order to avoid any delay in the vaccination campaign for the livestock sector, the company said in a statement late last week. The company is continuing discussions with the authorities on subsequent phases of the vaccination campaign and has already produced more than 10 million shots of its avian influenza vaccine for ducks, Ceva added.