In July 2024 MAIZALL conducted a mission to South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore and met with government officials and private sector groups to discuss the current situation concerning biotechnology in these countries, in particular regarding the authorization of new GMO events and the development of policy frameworks for gene-edited crops.

MAIZALL’s delegation was led by Bernhard Kiep, MAIZALL’s President and grower from Brazil and included Directors from Argentina (Alfredo Paseyro) and the U.S. (Darren Armstrong), MAIZALL’s Coordinator and advisor (Benno van der Laan) and Andrew Brandt (Director of Trade at the U.S. Grains Council).

In all three countries MAIZALL’s delegation held joint meetings with the embassies of Argentina, Brazil and the United States. In Korea MAIZALL met with the Biosafety Clearing House (KBCH), which is developing a policy framework for gene edited crops. In cooperation with the Korean Feed Association, MAIZALL held a seminar in Seoul, which attracted 135 participants from the country’s feed and importing industries. MAIZALL’s farmers highlighted the operational, economic, social and environmental benefits of GM technology.

Similar information was shared with the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services and its Biosafety Department at the ministry of Natural Resources. MAIZALL also met with the Singapore Food Agency, which is developing a new policy framework on gene edited crops.  An upcoming meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be an opportunity to promote Singapore’s approach in the region.