Legislation allowing the use of genetically modified (GM) cereals in animal feed is no more than a year away, an expert has suggested.
Speaking to delegates at the Pig and Poultry LIVE 2011 event, David Gibson of poultry processor Moy Park, said that use of GM crops is "really moving forward", Farmers Weekly reports.
He suggests that using GM cereals in animal feed will allow animal feed manufacturers to reduce the price of their produce, which in turn will ease the pressure on livestock and poultry farmers.
However, Mr Gibson was less positive about the re-introduction of processed animal protein as a feed ingredient.
He said it could be as much as five years before it can be used, as the industry will want to be sure it is getting the issue right.
EFPRA, the association representing the interests of European animal fat and animal by-product processors, recently welcomed the re-introduction.
It believes there is no evidence whatsoever that food waste has been responsible for outbreaks of foot and mouth or swine fever.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the animal feed industry includes:
