Genetically modified (GM) foods have different trends around the world. Some countries will have a high level of production for GM foods while most of the product is exported. Others are highly unfavourable in terms of public opinion, which means that GM crops are rarely sold locally and may not even be grown locally as well.
In Asia, production and opinions vary from one country to another with regards to any health effects or benefits of GM foods. While some areas have experienced rapid growth of the GM market over the last decade, others still have yet to embrace GM foods.
GM Foods In The Philippines
In the Philippines, the government has supported the commercial production of GM corn although nearby countries do not share this enthusiasm. The goal is to cope with the challenging, fluctuating climate that can leave crops faring poorly for both yield and quality each year. The technology is still in progress and the government has subsidised the production of this type of GM crop
Japan's Approach To GM Crops
In Japan, GM crops have generally not been embraced from either the production side or public support aspect. Some GM grains are imported for creating food products such as animal feeds and a number of manufactured items. In addition, imports are used to produce certain cooking oils in Japan.As a whole, companies in Japan have been wary of producing GM products because there are concerns that the public simply will not support the products and that they have health concerns. The labelling regulations have also increased the complexity and challenges for companies when considering whether to produce and market a GM product in Japan.Given the increasing prices for foods, however, the government does have reservations about coping with food prices and the fact that Japan imports a large majority of the food products consumed in the country. The government has considered that GM foods may be a way to encourage food security in Japan.