FRIENDS OF THE EARTH - PRESS RELEASE

US Takes Next Step in GM Trade War

15  Aug 2003

http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/us_takes_next_step_in_gm_t.html

  The transatlantic trade war over Europe's stance on genetically
  modified (GM) foods and crops will escalate next week when
  countries meet to hear the US request for a WTO panel to consider
  the dispute.  The trade war comes as the British Government
  decides on growing GM crops commercially following a public
  consultation and science and economic reviews earlier this year.


  Friends of the Earth has accused the Bush Government of using the
  secretive and undemocratic World Trade Organisation (WTO) to
  "force-feed" Europe and the rest of the world GM [1].  And there
  are concerns here in the UK that the Blair Government is ready to
  bow to US demands and ignore public feeling on the issue of GM.


  The US originally called for WTO consultations with the European
  Union (EU) on May 13th, 2003 claiming that the de facto
  moratorium on GM products in Europe was not only harming their
  farmers but also stopping developing countries from adopting the
  controversial technology.  However Egypt, the only African country
  supporting the US, withdrew even before the consultation process
  began.  The US has reportedly retaliated by ripping up a
  free-trade agreement with the Egyptian government.[2]


  Friends of the Earth Corporate Globalisation Campaigner Eve
  Mitchell said:


  "The US Administration, funded by the biotech giants  , is using
  the undemocratic and secretive WTO to force feed the world GM
  food.  Decisions about   the food we eat should be made here in
  the UK and not the White House, the WTO or Monsanto's HQ.  Blair
  must not pander to the demands of his buddy George Bush.  And
  th  e European Commission must   continue to fight this aggressive
  US policy and ensure that Britain's   wildlife and people are
  protected from the threat of GM crops."


  ENDS


  Notes to Editors

  The WTO's Disputes Settlement Body (DSB) meets next Monday 18th
  where it will discuss the request by the US Administration to form
  a WTO Panel.  The EU has one opportunity to reject the request
  whereupon it will be granted at the next DSB meeting (August
  29th).  The Panel will then take evidence from both sides and
  reach a verdict next year.  Argentina and Canada have also
  requested a WTO Panel.

  Financial Times, June 29 2003