Pictured (l to r), following the May 13, 2003, press conference announcing the WTO case against the EU on biotech products: Dr. Ariel Alvarez-Morales, principal scientist, Department of Plant & Genetic Engineering, Center for Research & Advanced Studies, Irapuato, Mexico; Dr. Diran Makinde, DVM, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Agriculture, University of Venda for Science & Technology, South Africa; U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick; T.J. Buthelezi, a small farmer of biotech crops from South Africa; Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman; and Dr. C.S. Prakash, organizer of a pro-agricultural biotech declaration signed by 20 Nobel Laureates and over 3,200 scientists. USDA Photo No. 03di1357-127sm.jpg

"The EU's persistent resistance to abiding by its WTO obligations has perpetuated a trade barrier unwarranted by the EC's own scientific analysis, which impedes the global use of a technology that could be of great benefit to farmers and consumers around the world." — U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick, May 13, 2003

The United States, joined by Argentina and Canada, will file a World Trade organization (WTO) dispute against the European Union (EU) over its illegal five-year moratorium on approving agricultural biotech products. Other countries expressing support for this case include: Australia, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and Uruguay.

Since the late 1990's, the EU has pursued policies that undermine agricultural biotechnology and trade in biotech foods. First, six member states (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, and Luxemburg) banned modified crops approved by the EU, and the Commission refused to challenge the illegal bans. In 1998, member states began blocking all new biotech applications. This approval moratorium is causing a growing portion of U.S. agricultural exports to be excluded from EU markets and unfairly casting concerns about biotech products around the world, particularly in developing countries.

The first step in a WTO dispute is to request and conduct consultations during the next 60 days. WTO procedures are designed to encourage parties to resolve their differences. If no resolution has been achieved at the end of 60 days, the U.S. and the coalition countries may seek the formation of a dispute settlement panel to hear arguments. Dispute settlement procedures, including appeal, typically take a total of 18 months.