Wednesday, 14 May 2003 - MVT35/2003

Australia to join WTO case on GM approvals

Australia will seek to join Argentina, Canada, Egypt and the United States as a third party in their WTO challenge to the European Union's moratorium on approvals for the import of genetically modified organisms (GMO), Trade Minister Mark Vaile announced today.

The EU moratorium means that imports of GMOs are being blocked by decisions on GMOs that have no scientific basis. 

“Australia's trade interests and our interest in maintaining the role of the WTO in enforcing rules on science-based decision making are at stake," Mr Vaile said.

“Australia’s agricultural exporters depend on fair trading rules underpinned by science-based decision making, and these rules must not be undermined,” said Mr Vaile.

"This case is critical to Australia and all agricultural exporters.  More than thirteen countries have so far indicated an intention to participate in the challenge.  These include both developed and developing agricultural exporters such as Chile, Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand and Uruguay.  We must work together to break trade barriers such as this.”

Australia will seek to participate as a third party in the dispute.  This allows Australia’s interests to be taken into account and reflects Australia’s substantial trade interest in the systemic issue of science based decision making.

“By taking this step Australia is using the WTO’s dispute settlement system as it is intended, in order to uphold our trade interests” said Mr Vaile.

Australia is a minor producer of genetically modified crops, with limited commercial interests at stake.  The only commercially grown genetically modified crops are cotton and carnations.  Applications for commercial release of genetically modified canola are currently under consideration by the Gene Technology Regulator. 

Australia’s own regulations on genetically modified organisms will not be examined in the dispute.

Contact: Matthew Doman (02) 6277 7420