WTO Rules Against Europe in Biotech Case
Final WTO biotech report expected out in March 2006.
Compiled by staff
Published: Feb 7, 2006
News reports indicate a favorable interim confidential report in the World Trade Organization case to reopen Europe's markets to biotechnology crops.
The challenge was brought be the United States, Argentina and Canada to determine if the European Union was in violation of its trade obligations by failing to approve new biotech crops in a timely manner.
In the late 1990s, six member states (Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Luxembourg) banned imports of biotech corn and rapeseed approved by the European Union. Although these actions were inconsistent with EC approvals, the European Commission refused to challenge the national bans.
"Resolution of this issue is important to farmers around the world," says Sean Darragh, executive vice president for food and agriculture of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. "The European Union's inaction has effectively blocked up to $300 million of U.S. agricultural exports annually to the detriment of American farmers."
During 2004 and 2005 the EC approved a handful of biotech events including Bt11- sweet corn, NK603 - corn, MON863 - corn, GT73 - rapeseed for food and feed and approved Pioneer 1507 - corn for animal feed only.
In March 2006 the final report is scheduled for release to the disputing parties. Depending on the time needed for the parties to provide comments on the interim report, this date could be delayed. The release of the final report in three official WTO languages triggers the beginning of the possible appeal process. In late 2006-2007 the completion of a possible appeal to the WTO Appellate Body is expected.
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