The Row Over Genetically Modified Food

Why The Bush Administration's Attempt To Push The EU Into Lifting Its Ban on GM Food Imports From America Is Bound To Fail

The last several months have brought a series of new lows in US-European relations. First came all the arguments with France and Germany over the war in Iraq. Then came Washingtons complaint that the European Union was too finicky about the testing and quality control of imports of potentially dangerous chemicals. Now the arena has shifted once more with US trade representative Robert Zoellick threatening legal action over the EUs five-year ban on genetically modified food imports.

The scientific case that GM foods may be dangerous to both humans and the environment is not proved. Nor is it disproved. Its simply too early in the game to gather sufficient data on genetic mutation or the interaction of GM plants with their surrounding environment.

While Washington complains that the EU ban has cost American farmers hundreds of millions of dollars in export sales, thats a drop in the ocean compared to the $43.5 billion trade deficit the US ran with the rest of the world during the month of March. At most, GM foods might account for 1% of US trade.

The issue is really one of ideology. The Americans believe that current trade laws should allow them to export anything not proved to be harmful. The Europeans feel that the environment and public health are the most important considerations.

Whatever the scientists or lawyers say, the EU is almost certain not to lift its ban on GM food imports because this position enjoys huge public support. Opinion polls indicate that between 80% and 90% of the EU public do not want GM foods introduced in Europe.

In this light, Washingtons attempt to threaten the EU with legal action looks unproductive, or worse, naive. Shout and threaten as they might, they will not succeed. The politics of public opinion dictate otherwise.