Turkey stuck in feed ingredient shortage amid GM ban

Turkey's feed sector is running low on feed ingredient supply after the country banned imports of food and feed products that contain GM components.

No progress has been made to reverse or amend Turkey's additional import requirements, said the US Grains Council.

Feed importers and end-users are still waiting for the outcome of a court case filed shortly after the regulations were announced, the council said.

Feed millers and livestock producers in Turkey are said to be running out of feed, especially corn and DDGS. Producers expect to be out of those feed ingredients in the next four to six weeks, said Joe O'Brien, USGS regional director in the Middle East and Subcontinent.

There are vessels near the region that are unable to enter ports to deliver feed ingredients available through shipments and are circling the area or consigning the cargo into costly-bonded facilities, driving up costs, he said.

The feed industry may ground to a stop, as prices for alternatives to corn and DDGS have surged quickly. Meanwhile, local feed millers are banding together to petition to the government.