Countries Strike Deal on Stricter GM Rules

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Countries strike deal on stricter GM rules

February 27 2004 at 11:45AM

 

http://www.itechnology.co.za/index.phpclick_id=143 & art_id=qw107787510

2550B236 & set_id=1

 

Kuala Lumpur - Countries across Asia, Africa, Europe and most of

Latin America agreed to tighter rules governing trade in genetically

modified seeds on Friday, prompting dismay among major producers such

as the United States.

 

Negotiators from nearly 90 countries struck a deal requiring detailed

information on shipments of GM crops such as maize, fidyl, cotton and

soy, to help importers decide whether to accept them, going way

beyond what exporters wanted.

 

They also set terms for talks to thrash out a framework to fix blame

for problems due to the controversial technology, along with systems

of redress and enforcement.

 

Ethiopian negotiator Tewolde Egziabher, who led in talks for many

developing nations represented at the week-long Malaysian meeting,

highlighted the liability deal as key.

 

'They also set terms for talks to thrash out a framework'

" It's badly needed. Not as much for the redress side of it but for

the caution that we will force on those who export, " he said as

formal talks drew to a close.

 

He said genetic engineering was a technology developed by the private

rather than the public sector, meaning that risk assessment and

research by the authorities were all the more important.

 

" The temptation is to say: We have sunk so much money into it, even

if it's not entirely safe, we will commercialise. "

 

Australia and the United States were among major farm nations

regretting what was agreed under the United Nations Cartagena

Biosafety Protocol, saying it would be hard to put into practice.

 

Talks under the protocol are intended to curb potential risks arising

from the cross-border trade in GM species.

 

But neither Australia nor the United States is a party to the law,

having chosen not to sign.

 

" We wish to record our disappointment that the views of non-parties

were not taken into account as effectively as they could have been, "

Australian negotiator Peter Heyward said in official remarks to the

meeting.

 

Opponents of genetic modification say its effects on the environment

and the safety of foods remain unproven, while supporters say the

technology has been adequately tested.

 

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