The EU published its approval of four GM soy events, 1 renewal and 3 approvals. See AM/2012/040.  Also the EU Commission is investigating the establishment of a “technical solution” for food applying to those events not yet fully approved in the EU but in third countries, similar to that existing for feed.
Turkey’s Biosafety committee has approved 13 different GM corn varieties for animal feed. Full details in AM/2012/002.

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The EU Commission published a proposal to revise the Directive on Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MIFID) COM (2011) 656 on 20th October to improve regulation of commodity markets which will have an impact not only on commodity traders but energy traders alike. There are new provisions proposed which amend the exemptions, on position reporting and limits.  Gafta has established a sub group to work on this issue.  See details in AM/2011/425.

The EU has agreed to continue its temporary suspension of import duties on certain cereals until 30th June 2012. The measures apply to all imports under the reduced tariff quotas according to Regulation 1067/2011 and 2305/2011 respectively and are in place to maintain flows of imports conducive to EU market equilibrium. See all details in AM/2011/465.

Please refer to the website to see details on licence allocations for wheat, barley and maize.

The EU Commission published a proposal to revise the Directive on Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MIFID) COM (2011) 656 on 20th  October to improve regulation of commodity markets which will have an impact not only on commodity traders but energy traders alike. There are new provisions deleting exemptions, introducing position reporting and position limits.  See details in AM/2011/425

The EU is revising its maximum limits on certain grains, oilseeds and general produce. Some members have raised concerns about proposed levels for some oilseeds and durum wheat, although the Commission is reluctant to maintain limits on wheat as it is one of the main contributors to cadmium in food. A new revised draft was circulated ahead of the 23rd November meeting and all details can be viewed in AM/2011/436 & 213.