Feed industry calls for reforms to make animal food affordable
Kenyan animal feed manufacturers are urging the government to allow the use of genetically modified (GM) ingredients to lower production costs. They argue that current restrictions are driving up prices and threatening the viability of the livestock industry.
Why it matters
The debate over GMOs in agriculture impacts food security and the economic sustainability of farmers in the region.
Experts call for inclusion of GMOs to address animal feed crisis./FILE.
Feed millers are calling for science-based solutions to improve access to affordable, high-quality feed ingredients to restore competitiveness of the livestock industry across the region.
Animal feed manufacturers from Kenya and across Africa have raised concern over the continued rising cost of raw material prices over the past four years.
Association of Kenya Feeds Manufacturers (AKEFEMA) chairman Joseph Karuri noted that commercial feed prices have risen by approximately 30 per cent, increasing production costs and threatening the sustainability of poultry, dairy, pig and beef enterprises.
“Today, most surviving manufacturers are operating at only 50 to 60 per cent of their capacity,” he said.
Karuri said the impact on farmers is devastating because feed makes up the vast majority of their expenses.
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