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The University of Texas at Austin

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Program Name

Switzerland: International Studies, Organizations and Social Justice

Abstract

Biotechnology in regards to agriculture is complex and cannot be judged by a single factor. Exporters of GM foods have their reasons for exportation, and importing countries have their reasons to accept them. There is not a unified reason for acceptance or rejection. Countries may accept or reject for economic, social, or political reasons. Other countries may accept or reject for environmental and/or health reasons. However, there is the inevitable factor of influence. Some countries like the United States, and supernational powers like the European Union are major elements to the decision making process of developing countries. When it comes to GM foods, the United States and the EU are on opposite sides of the spectrum. The ongoing conflict between the EU and the US has huge implications on weaker nations due to their effect on global trade. On September 26, 2009 the WTO released a final decision in favor of the US, Argentina, and Canada against the EU’s Moratorium. Although the majority of EU citizens have a negative stance on GMOs, some countries are skeptical but open, while others remain fundamentally opposed to agricultural biotechnology.

This is an interdependent and globalized world where decisions taken on one side of the world have severe affects on other sides of the world. Balance between the economic, social, and political branches of nations is necessary for peace and prosperity and all that it implies. Therefore whether developing nations decide to side with the US or the EU will have significant affects on their importation and exportation; hence on their stability and balance. The direction they are headed is yet to be known. This research will analyze the current situation of GM trade and their implications.

Disciplines

Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Biotechnology | Food Biotechnology

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