The German Maize Committee held its annual meeting this week and requested to hear the U.S. farmer’s perspective and experience using biotech crops. U.S. Grains Council Biotechnology Advisory Team members Gary Schmalshof, leader, and Gordon Wassenaar, along with USGC Director of Biotechnology Programs Rebecca Fecitt, traveled to Germany to present to several academic groups, local farmers and farm organizations, regional Chamber of Agriculture staff and finally, the annual meeting of the German Maize Committee. “The acceptance of biotech cultivation in Germany is not going to happen from one day to another, but the new German government coalition is sending some positive, optimistic signals that it could turn around and gain acceptance in the agricultural community and even in the political process in the long term,” said Dietmar Achilles, agricultural specialist from the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, who traveled with the team. “We should not give up on Europe with regard to biotechnology.” Fecitt said there appeared to be a common misconception about the dependence of U.S. farmers on large biotech companies for their seed choices. “A lot of them were surprised to learn of the variety of choices in the market,” said Fecitt. “Gordon and Gary explained that U.S. farmers do have choices and make decisions based on what’s best for their farming operations.” The team traveled to the College for Agricultural Science in Soest, Germany, where the Dean of Agriculture, three professors and about 70 students held an intensive discussion on the benefits of biotechnology. “These students ranged from 23-27 years old, nearing graduation, and most have a background in farming. It came as a surprise to them to learn that biotechnology is a normal tool used by U.S. farmers, with the effect of environmental, financial and labor-reducing benefits,” said Achilles. Fecitt said the timeliness of their presence in Germany, with consideration of the new administration, makes her more optimistic than several months ago. “With the new change in government, farmers and the agricultural community are more interested in getting the factual information. Not only do we get an idea of how this might change things for the future, we are able to get the information out to the people and farmers by sharing our real-life experiences,” said Fecitt. Maize Committee staff Dr. Susanne Kraume said, “U.S. farmers are very practical and it is interesting for us to hear about how they do things in the United States.”

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