NOTE: This looks like another major victory in Turkey where the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture has already announced that it plans to introduce mandatory labeling for GMO-fed animal products. 

Despite the misleading headline, the article below confirms that the Federation of Food and Drink Industry Associations of Turkey (TGDF) has announced that it has withdrawn an application to import 29 different kinds of GMOs for food production in the light of public hostility and the negative reaction of some of its members – see below. TGDF is a major player with around 2,000 trade members. 

More on this story here: http://www.foodnavigator.com/Legislation/U-turn-on-GM-in-Turkey
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Turkey's TGDF demands ministral approval on imports of 29 items of genetically modified products
Hurriyet Daily News, 21 August 2012
http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=154372

Turkey's Food and Beverage Associations Federation (TGDF) has withdrawn applications to import 29 genetically modified (GM) food items due to negative public reaction, according to a press release yesterday.

TGDF has officially withdrawn the applications with a letter to the Food and Agriculture Ministry, it said in the press release.

The ministry had repeatedly said it would not allow imports of GM food. Turkey only imports certain items of GM feed for animals.

"TGDF has called on those responsible for biological security to put an end to lingering public concerns and confusion, demanded that steps be taken to solve problems deriving from the spread [of GM elements], and withdrawn its applications," read the statement.

This was a historic step, according to Tarık Nejat Dinç, the head of Greenpeace's Mediterranean agriculture team.

"We would like to thank TGDF-member companies such as Sana, Algida, Eti, Nestle, Ülker and Karaköy GüllüoÄŸlu for their prudent attitude," Dinç said. Looking at the federation's statement, the letter seeks to reduce problems resulting from the spread of the use of GM products, he said.

Nadir GüllüoÄŸlu, owner of one of the leading baklava producers in the country, had resigned from TGDF after seeing his brand's name in a list of companies that demanded the importation of GM products.

Source: Black Sea Grain