UK soya sector set to grow

27 July 2000



UK soya sector set to grow

SOYABEANS could soon become a staple for British farmers, reports the Financial Times.

Day-length neutral varieties which can flourish in northern climates are now growing on 5,000 acres on 120 UK farms.

The FT says there is healthy demand for soya. In 1999 the UK imported 900,000 tonnes for processing and 770,000 tonnes of pre-crushed soyabean meal.

The growing GM-free soya market could provide opportunities for UK farmers as most imports come from countries which have embraced GM technology.