The American Soybean Association (ASA) has announced the European
Union Parliament’s rejection of a proposal allowing individual E.U. member states to opt-out of importing and using foods containing biotechnology for non-scientific reasons.
A committee report recommending opposition to the proposal was approved by a 619-58 vote.
“This is a much-needed action today by the European Parliament,"
ASA President Wade Cowan said in a statement after the vote. "ASA has repeatedly called on the E.U. to make science-based decisions on the issue of biotechnology, and we are very happy to see the Europeans do so this morning. One of the unifying principles of the E.U. is to provide a single market, both within Europe and as a partner in in global commerce. Enabling each of its 28 member states to go rogue on [genetically modified organism] acceptance, based on societal or political concerns, is hardly a unifying strategy for success.
“Soybean farmers welcome today’s news as we look to expand our European markets for animal feed, edible oils, bio-diesel and bio-based products. Europe is a top-five market for American soybeans, and we looking forward to further expanding our trade relationship.
"Moving forward, the commission has been directed by the E.U. Parliament to come up with a new proposal. However, in our view, it would be more appropriate for the EU to use its own existing procedures to approve new biotech products rather than trying to come up with another approach. The commission just needs to do its job by following its own regulations and procedures.”
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