The move threatens to bring the full force of WTO sanctions to bear in order to force GM food into European markets regardless of the wishes of European consumers. The US is likely to attempt to prevent any effective labelling of food derived from GM ingredients.

US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick has threatened a WTO case over GM on
several occasions, most recently in January this year, but is believed to have been told by the White House to back off during attempts to secure European support for the invasion of Iraq. The US Administration has been lobbied heavily to by GM companies such as Monsanto and by big US farming interests such as the National Corn Growers Association.

WTO procedures are complex and secretive, and have been heavily criticised by environmentalists and others for their pro-business bias. In particular, WTO rules are hostile to the fundamental precautionary principle.

Alexandra Wandel, trade co-ordinator of FoEE commented:

“This may be the moment of truth for the future of GM food in Europe, and future trade relations between the European Union and United States. It is clear that this US Administration, backed by some of the richest and most powerful lobbyists in US politics, is determined to use the secretive, biased and undemocratic procedures of the WTO to bulldoze through attempts by other states to set minimum environmental, social and health standards. If this attempt succeeds, the US will force GM foods onto European markets regardless of the wishes of consumers.''

Geert Ritsema, GMO campaign co-ordinator said
''The European Commission and national governments must find the courage to stand up to this outrageous piece of bullying. Decisions over the future of GM crops in Europe must not be made in the George Bush White House. Friends of the Earth will step up its GM campaign to fight this outrageous challenge to Europe’s right to say no to GMOs.”
Ends

Contact:
Adrian Bebb, GMO expert: +49 16094901163 (mobile)
Geert Ritsema, GMO campaign co-ordinator: +31 6 29 005908 (mobile)
Alexandra Wandel, WTO campaign co-ordinator, +49 172 748 39 53 (mobile)

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Notes
1. The FT reports today that “The US is set to announce today it will file a long-anticipated case in the World Trade Organisation aimed at forcing the European Union to lift its de facto moratorium on genetically modified foods, according to administration and congressional officials.”

AP reports that “President George W. Bush's administration has decided to bring a trade case against the European Union over Europe's ban on imports of genetically modified food, congressional officials say.”