United States: 4,000 tonnes of selected agricultural business from an Argentine company

In June, a shipment of 4,000 tons of non-genetically modified soybeans left the port of San Pedro, Buenos Aires, bound for the United States. The cargo was transported by Areco Semillas, a family-owned company specializing in non-GMO agricultural products. This operation marks one of the few instances in which Argentine soybean production, typically dominated by genetically modified crops, has entered the niche market of non-modified grains. The shipment highlights a growing international demand for non-GMO products, which require strict segregation and traceability protocols throughout the supply chain. In Argentina, where approximately 16 to 17 million hectares are planted with soybeans annually, most of them genetically modified, non-GMO soybean cultivation represents a small but specific market. Areco Semillas focuses exclusively on this sector, ensuring its products meet the stringent requirements of foreign buyers who seek grain free from genetic modification. Areco Semillas, managed by Roberto Coronel, has been operating in this specialized market for over 15 years. The firm's operations include receiving non-transgenic grains at its collection plants, which are strictly controlled to prevent contamination. According to Coronel, these facilities accept only non-transgenic grains, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining product purity. The company’s annual output includes around 50,000 tons of non-GMO soybeans, 15,000 tons of high-oleic sunflower seeds, 10,000 tons of canola, and 5,000 tons of non-GMO corn. These products are primarily exported, with canola mainly destined for Europe and non-GMO corn having limited domestic demand in Argentina. While some volumes of non-GMO soybeans are used by local food companies such as Arcor, these amounts are relatively small compared to the overall market. For Areco Semillas, the key requirement to access international markets is ensuring complete traceability of the product from the field to the end customer. Coronel emphasized that each batch must comply with all basic production processes to avoid contamination. Given that nearly all soybean production in Argentina involves genetically modified crops, meeting these standards presents particular challenges. However, the company adheres to all necessary regulations to ensure there is no contamination. To maintain product integrity, Areco Semillas selects fields without recent history of transgenic crops. It ensures that planting and harvesting equipment are clean before entering the fields and implements preliminary cleaning procedures to prevent mixing during harvest and storage. These measures are critical in maintaining the non-GMO status of the grain throughout the entire production process. The National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) collaborates with 16 companies involved in developing this non-GMO supply chain. According to Coronel, the primary destination for the non-GMO soybeans sold by his company is animal feed for balanced diets. Currently, two clients in the United States, one associated with poultry production and another linked to dairy farms, are supplied by Areco Semillas. Although non-GMO soybeans could also be used for human consumption and oil production, Coronel noted that these applications currently play a minor role in the company's business strategy. The shipment underscores the increasing importance of non-GMO agriculture in global trade, even as Argentina continues to rely heavily on genetically modified crops. As international markets continue to demand higher standards for product purity and traceability, companies like Areco Semillas are positioning themselves to meet these evolving needs through specialized production and distribution practices.