"Today, news reports have stated the World Trade Organization (WTO) has
preliminarily found the European Union has a de facto moratorium on agricultural
biotechnology products that is inconsistent with WTO rules. The facts on
agricultural biotechnology are clear and compelling. It is a safe and beneficial
technology that is improving food security and helping to reduce poverty
worldwide," said U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman. "We believe agricultural
biotechnology products should be provided a timely, transparent and scientific
review by the European Union, and that is why Canada, Argentina and the United
States brought the case in the first place."
"The continuing adoption of agricultural biotechnology worldwide is evidence
it provides tremendous benefits to farmers and rural communities. Global
biotechnology acreage has increased more than 50 fold in the first decade of
commercialization, with more than one billion acres planted," said U.S.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "More than 8.5 million farmers in 21
countries, including five EU nations, are reducing pesticide use, receiving
higher yields and preventing erosion by planting biotech varieties. Ninety
percent of these farmers are in developing countries, adding to rural incomes,
promoting development and preserving our environment."
###
|
