WTO finds against EU on GMOs

A spokesperson from the U.S. Trade Representative said the World Trade Organization issued an interim, confidential report that finds the EU has a de facto moratorium on agricultural biotech products that is inconsistent with WTO rules. According to EuropaBIO, the WTO found that the EU member states did not properly implement rules on biotech crops and is not approving products in a timely manner. Neither the EU Commission nor the WTO issued a statement about the decision. However, in a paper released in advance of the decision, the commission said it had terminated its moratorium on GMOs in 2004.

The WTO's final report is expected to be issued to the disputing parties in March, and a public report is to be released mid-year. Any potential appeal to the WTO Appellate Body could be completed by late 2006 or early 2007. ...