Brussels | July 4, 2025 – The European Commission (EC) has officially approved the use of genetically modified (GM) soybeans for use in human food and animal feed, following a scientific assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The approval, however, does not extend to cultivation within the European Union.
The EC emphasised that the GM soybean varieties underwent a “comprehensive and rigorous assessment procedure” and were deemed to pose no greater risk than conventional soybeans to human or animal health or the environment.
The authorisation is valid for ten years and applies specifically to the import and processing of GM soybeans within the EU for use in the food and livestock feed supply chain.
🐄 Impact on Dairy and Livestock Sectors
This development holds significant implications for the European dairy, poultry, and swine feed industries, which heavily depend on imported soybean meal as a high-protein ingredient in compound feed.
The decision:
- Expands the feed ingredient pool amid global price volatility
- It could help stabilise feed costs in EU countries facing pressure from inflation and grain supply uncertainties
- May encourage innovation in dairy ration formulation, especially for high-performance and intensive farming systems
For dairy producers, GM soy inclusion offers an opportunity to maintain or enhance milk yields and animal health through consistent protein sources, provided it aligns with market demand and labelling requirements.
🌱 No Green Light for Cultivation
Despite the approval for import and use, the EC has reiterated that GM soybean cultivation remains prohibited in the EU. The decision follows a lack of consensus among EU member states, which were unable to reach a qualified majority either for or against the proposal.
As per the EU legal framework, in such cases, the Commission is obliged to issue a decision to fulfil regulatory timelines and trade obligations.
🔍 What This Means for the Global Feed Market
With the EU now permitting the use of GM soybeans for feed, exporters from major GM soybean-producing countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina stand to benefit. This may shift sourcing patterns, increase transatlantic soybean trade, and offer price and supply stability for compound feed manufacturers.
The dairy and feed industries in India and Asia, which monitor EU regulatory trends, may also see ripple effects in market dynamics and public perception of GM ingredients.
