[Gen-Streitfall] World treaty may become new focus for GMO debate

[Martin Sundermann]

World treaty may become new focus for GMO debate 
REUTERS
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/KLR183430.htm
19 Feb 2004 01:29:57 GMT

"While a main U.S. concern is to resume shipping GM grain to Europe, this trade could be squeezed by the rules of the U.N. Cartagena Protocol, which aims for transparency in GMO trade. 

Signatory countries now number more than 80 and will meet this month in Malaysia to discuss how to implement the protocol, their first meeting since it came into force in September. 

The protocol obliges exporters to provide more information about GM products like maize and soybeans before any shipment to recipient countries, to help them decide whether to accept it. 

Under its provisions, a nation may reject GMO imports or donations -- even without scientific proof -- if it fears they pose a danger to traditional crops, undermine local cultures or cut the value of biodiversity to indigenous communities. 

U.S. officials say they want to see proper implementation of the protocol by its signatories, in line with WTO rules. If not, this would harm trade and could be challenged. 

"We are certainly very concerned that there could be disruption of trade if the implementation of the protocol isn't done properly," a U.S. government official said. 

"If there is some way that the parties implement the protocol that is inconsistent with the provisions of the WTO, then we would certainly want to have that addressed at the WTO." 

Although many African nations are prone to food shortages, countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique have voiced concerns about accepting GM maize donations -- saying GMOs have not been fully tested for environmental or health effects. 

CAN U.S. EXPORTERS COMPLY? 

The United States, where most GMOs originate, has not signed the Cartagena agreement and looks unlikely to do so in the short term, insisting GMOs are no different from natural organisms. 

Along with major GMO exporters Canada, Australia and Argentina, the United States says GM crops are safe, can increase yields and resist destructive pests. 

But the EU takes a diametrically opposed view and has introduced tough rules on traceability and labeling of GMOs in foods and animal feed that go beyond the Cartagena requirements. 

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"Wir brauchen keine Bio-Terroristen, wenn wir Gentechniker haben."
Independent Science Panel (www.indsp.org; dt.Ü. www.indsp.org/ISPgerman.pdf)
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