"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."
