Number: RS21556
Title: Agricultural Biotechnology: The U.S.-EU Dispute
Authors: Charles E. Hanrahan, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: In May 2003, the United States, Canada, and Argentina initiated a dispute with the European Union concerning the EU's de facto moratorium on biotechnology product approvals, in place since 1998. Although the EU effectively lifted the moratorium in May 2004 by approving a genetically engineered (GE) corn variety (MON810), the three complainants pursued the case, in part because a number of EU member states continue to block already approved biotech products. Industry estimates are that the moratorium costs U.S. corn growers some $300 million in exports to the EU annually. U.S. officials also contend that the EU moratorium threatens U.S. agricultural exports to other parts of the world where the EU approach to regulating agricultural biotechnology is taking hold. On November 21, 2006, the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) adopted the dispute panel's report, which ruled that a moratorium had existed, that bans on EUapproved GE crops in six EU member countries violated WTO rules, and that the EU failed to ensure that its approval procedures were conducted without "undue delay." The EU has announced it will not appeal the ruling. The United States and EU agreed on November 21, 2007 (subsequently extended to January 11, 2008), as a deadline for EU implementation of the panel report. On January 11, the U.S. Trade Representative announced that, while it was reserving its rights to retaliate, it would hold off seeking a compliance ruling while the United State s sought to normalize trade in biotechnology products with the EU. In a related development, France, citing environmental concerns, announced a ban on cultivation of MON810. The EU Commission would act within 60 days to either uphold or revoke the French ban.
Pages: 6
Date: January 28, 2008