USDA asks China to clarify new biotech food policy
Date: 24-Aug-01
Country: USA
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman sent a letter to a top Chinese government official two weeks ago asking for consultations on exactly what the new regulations would require of U.S. exports.
David Hegwood, USDA's senior trade advisor, told Reuters Undersecretary J.B. Penn has also discussed the issue with a top Chinese embassy official.
"So far we haven't gotten a response," Hegwood said. "We are still waiting."
Beijing announced rules on genetically modified organisms on June 6, but fell short of issuing implementation details. That has frustrated many U.S. farmers, especially those involved in soybeans, which China actively imports.
Top U.S. soybean industry officials are holding talks with government officials in China this week to make sure the new rules do not hit their exports in the long term. China is the largest buyer of U.S. soybeans.
China's top trade negotiator Long Yongtu said this week Beijing would likely allow a grace period for imports of genetically modified crops. He said the new rules should not be a hindrance to trade.
With China's new biotech policy and other distinct government regulations popping up recently in Europe and Japan, U.S. farm groups are searching for a way to resolve these issues through broad world trade agreements.
Hegwood said biotechnology was not expected to be a specific agenda item for discussion in the next meeting of the World Trade Organization in November. But he said there were a number of ways the issue could come up for discussion.