Seed E-News

August 18th, 2003

EU regrets US request for WTO Panel on GM Crops
Last week, ASTA E-News reported that the US was requesting a WTO panel on the European Union’s moratorium on approving agricultural biotechnology products. EU Commissioners for Trade, Environment and Health and Consumer Protection have all commented on this, arguing that the EU is in step with WTO rules. The EU has said that it remains convinced that an open dialog would lead to a positive solution and therefore regrets the move to requesting a Panel. It has also argued that the EU, as with any other WTO member, has the right to ensure that GM products are put on the market only after proper risk assessment and information to consumers. In this argument, the EU cites several WTO agreements, including GATT 1994, the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. For the full story, go to the news section of the EU website at www.europa.eu.int/news/index_en.htm.

New corn lines may be good for the heart
Heart-friendlier products may be one of the benefits from new corn varieties developed by scientists with the Agricultural Research Service and Iowa State University. The 14 new lines may help users of corn-based cooking oils and margarine keep blood cholesterol levels in check. They also may make possible salad dressings with longer shelf lives, as well as less-costly animal feed. For more information, see www.seedquest.com/News/releases/2003/august/6394.htm.

Brazil lifts Ban on Modified Seeds
Last week, a federal judge in Brazil lifted a ban that prevented Monsanto from selling GM soybean seeds in that country. Growers in Brazil smuggled seeds into Brazil from neighboring countries and would grow more on their own land. It is estimated that 17% of Brazil’s soybean crop is grown from such seeds. At 52 million metric tons harvested during the 2002-03 season, Brazil is the second largest soybean producer after the United States.

Upcoming Events

November 2-4, 2003
ASTA Farm Seed/Lawn Seed
Western Seed Association
Kansas City, MO. Tel: 1-888.890.7333
Events

December 10-12, 2003
33rd Soybean Seed &
58th Corn & Sorghum Seed Conferences & Seed Expo
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Chicago, IL. Tel: 1-888.890.7333
Events

May 24-26, 2004
International Seed Federation Congress
Berlin, Germany
www.worldseed2004.com

June 27-30, 2004
121st ASTA Annual Convention
Wyndham Franklin Plaza
Philadelphia, PA. Tel: 1-888.890.7333
121st Annual Convention