NEWS RELEASE

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR
Out of hours: 020 7270 8960

174/03
15 May 2003

MARGARET BECKETT DISAPPOINTED AT CHALLENGE TO EU ON TRADE IN GM FOOD AND
CROPS

On 13 May, US and Canada took the first steps in launching a trade dispute
against the EU's unofficial moratorium on genetically modified products.

They have made representations to the European Commission's office at the
World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva requesting "consultations" on the
moratorium. This is the first formal stage of a WTO dispute settlement case.

Commenting on this development, UK Environment secretary Margaret Beckett
said:

"I am disappointed. It is a matter for the European Commission in
consultation with EU Member States to defend the case. The UK will work with
partners to find a solution over the next two months of consultations.

"The EU has made real progress recently in developing a stronger and more
effective regulatory regime for GM products. Several applications under this
new regime are currently under active consideration. We should allow time
for
the new process to demonstrate it can work effectively.

"The UK is neither pro- nor anti- GM. We are pro-consumer safety and choice
and pro-protection of the environment."