Global Soybean Processor Influenced By New Zealand

23 January 2002

New Zealand consumers' demand for non-GE soymeal has resulted in executives from the world's largest cooperative soybean processing company visiting New Zealand this week to learn from Tegel Food's decision to use non-GE crops in their poultry feed and NRM stock feed.

Ag Processing, Inc (AGP), based in Nebraska, USA, has provided Tegel with soymeal from non-GE crops since the poultry company decided to source its soymeal from non-GE crops last year.

Calvin Meyer, AGP Group Vice President of Processing says the visit is an ideal opportunity to learn from the concern towards GE in New Zealand. "Our work with Tegel shows the tremendous market potential for non-GE soymeal and we hope to enter other markets with this product," he says.

The quest for supply of soymeal from non-GE crops resulted in AGP having to establish a new supply process. The soymeal from non-GE crops is produced via an Identity Preservation (IP) programme that involves ongoing testing throughout the supply chain, purity checks and thorough cleaning procedures to minimise cross contamination.

While around one third of soymeal produced in the US is from non-GE crops, only a very small proportion is segregated through a specialised IP programme such as the one that has been developed with AGP and Tegel.

Tegel Managing Director, Peter Lucas says the system is working extremely well. "Testing of shipments since the new supply procedure has been in place have confirmed the IP programme is working effectively. These results underline the quality of the soymeal from AGP." Says Cal Meyer, AGP "We have been extremely impressed by Tegel's commitment and drive for this project over the past year and look forward to continuing our work with them during the coming year."

ENDS

Released on behalf of Tegel Foods by Network Communications

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