BIO Statement on WTO Case

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 29, 2006) – Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), released the following statement regarding the World Trade Organization’s final ruling issued today on the European Union’s failure to approve new biotech crops:

“Today, the World Trade Organization (WTO) affirmed that international trading rules clearly apply to agricultural products of modern biotechnology, and that regulatory systems must be science-based.

“This ruling will help farmers worldwide have equal access and the freedom to choose what crops are best for their farming operations, as well as give consumers the opportunity to buy foods and crops improved through biotechnology.

“BIO applauds the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in working with the WTO to ensure that member countries honor their international obligations and commitments. The biotechnology industry supports the rules-based system of international trade that countries throughout the world have jointly developed over the past 50 years.”

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. www.bio.org

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