Higher prices for meat, milk and eggs? Increased greenhouse gas emissions? Study documents sustainability drawbacks of non-GMO animal feed

Credit: Carlos Garcia Rawlins via Reuters
Credit: Carlos Garcia Rawlins via Reuters

Continued demand for non-GMO feed for livestock will increase greenhouse gas emissions on farms, and raise consumer prices for meat, milk and eggs.

That’s the conclusion of new research released by the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER). The study, “Impact of Non-GM Livestock and Poultry Feed on the U.S. Feed Industry,” was conducted by Iowa State University and Decision Innovation Solutions, and examined the environmental and economic implications should U.S. animal feed manufacturers need to boost the production of non-GM feed.

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The study found that beef cutout prices would increase by 4 cents per pound and pork by 64 cents per pound if the animals were fed a diet without GM grains. Similarly, the price of a dozen eggs would increase 24 cents, chicken by 25 cents per pound and milk by 8 cents per gallon.

“Like many industries involved in the production of America’s food supply, the U.S. animal feed industry is diligently working to be more sustainable and efficient, using all available tools at its disposal, as part of our commitment to consumers to be good environmental stewards,” said Lara Moody, IFEEDER executive director. “The research released today shows that when you limit the use of safe, proven technologies, like GM crops, the costs for both the environment and consumers can increase.”

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here

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