Canadian Genetically Modified Foods - Not for sale in the EU

In May, 2003, the United States, joined by Canada and Argentina, brought a complaint to the World Trade Organization ("WTO") regarding European Union ("EU") restrictions on the import of genetically modified products. Since 1998, a number of EU member states have blocked approvals required to sell genetically modified products. This has led to a sharp decline in the sale of genetically modified canola grown in Canada for sale to the EU. In accordance with WTO procedure, American and European officials met in June for a round of negotiations known as a "consultation". Soon after the consultation, American officials announced that they would request the WTO to convene a dispute settlement panel to hear their case. It is expected to take months for a decision to be released by the dispute settlement panel. It is unclear whether the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, a global treaty restricting genetically modified crops approved in early June of this year, will affect the decision. The outcome of this dispute, affecting a key market for a Canadian food product, could have a significant impact on the future of genetically modified crops in Canada. Canada's participation in the US complaint to the WTO has been denounced by environmentalists. For more information, visit the WTO dispute index: http://makeashorterlink.com/?N2D823025 For more information about the WTO, visit: http://www.wto.org For more information on the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, visit: http://www.biodiv.org/biosafety/ Summary by: Sue Diaz