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Public rejection of genetically engineered (GE) plants in Germany is widespread. There is no commercial GE crop production and practically no food labeled as containing “genetically modified organisms” (“GMO”) on the market. Despite this, Germany is home to world-class companies that develop and supply GE seeds globally from facilities outside the European Union. Germany’s livestock industry is a major consumer of imported GE soybeans for use as animal feed.

The Australian federal government is supportive of biotechnology and has committed considerable long-term funding to research and development. The Australian Productivity Commission recently completed an inquiry into the regulatory burden on farm businesses focusing on regulations that have a material impact on the competitiveness and productivity of Australian agriculture, including the impact of regulations for genetically engineered (GE) products.

Australia is a prosperous and industrialized nation with a stable economy. Underpinning Australia's strong economy is its open and transparent trade and investment environment, and trade and economic links with emerging economies, particularly in Asia. The U.S. - Australia Free Trade Agreement provides some advantages for U.S. products, which are well regarded as high quality and good value. The United States accounted for US$1.6 billion or nine percent of Australia’s total food and agriculture related imports in 2021.

Milk production in 2023 in Australia is forecast to decline by another two percent to 8.4 million metric tons (MMT), after an estimated six percent fall in 2022 to 8.55 MMT. This decline is expected despite a big increase in farm gate milk prices for 2022/23 to far exceed the previous record, and overall good seasonal production conditions for dairy farmers leading into the forecast year.

Germany has more than 83 million of the world’s wealthiest consumers and is by far the biggest market in the European Union. Although halal and kosher food are considered niche markets, the German market offers opportunities for U.S. exporters of such products. This report provides U.S. exporters with background information and suggestions for entering the German market.