Turkey's Biotechnology Regime

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 006214 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT PASS USTR FOR WHITE DEPT FOR E, EB/MALAC, AND OES/LEE STATE PASS EPA FOR JANDERSON STATEPASS FDA FOR RLAKE STATE PASS USAID FOR JLEWIS USDA FOR FAS FOR OA/SIMMONS ITP/FECITT USDA FOR APHIS JTURNER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD EAGR TU SUBJECT: Turkey's Biotechnology Regime REF: SECSTATE 263456 This message is sensitive but unclassified. Not for internet distribution. ¶1. This is in response to reftel request. ¶2. (SBU) Summary: Although Turkey has drafted regulations pertaining to biotechnology, they have not been implemented. Turkey permits the importation of genetically modified crops although it does not permit use of bio-engineered seeds for planting. Most Turkish officials, particularly those on the regulatory side, have a poor understanding of biotechnology. There is concern that a small number of influential officials are spreading misinformation about the safety of food and agricultural products developed using biotechnology that will ultimately have a negative effect on consumer perception and future legislation. End Summary. -------------- Legislation -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Biotechnology regulations in Turkey are limited to a 1998 directive on field trials, which have since been suspended. It is not clear whether the GOT will develop new regulations concerning biotechnology soon. However, Turkey's ratification of the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol on June 17, 2003 and its need to harmonize its regulations with relevant EU directives in preparation for accession talks may encourage the development of these regulations. ¶4. (SBU) The "Directive on the Principles of Field Trials of Genetically Modified Organisms" was issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) in 1998. In May 1998, several field trials were carried out at different research institutes in the country. Specific crops tested were corn, cotton and potatoes. Subsequently, an interagency commission on "biotechnology and biosafety" requested that all experiments be discontinued. As a result, there has been no additional field testing of biotech crops in Turkey. At the same time, there is no regulation in place that regulates or penalizes those who do field testing without MARA permission. ¶5. (SBU) In 2001, two draft directives were prepared, one relating to the registration of genetically modified plants, the other to the deliberate release of the GMOs into the environment and their placement on the market. While these directives never went into effect, they drew heavily if not exclusively from EU directives. We would expect any future legislation would also be designed to conform to EU directives as well as the Biosafety Protocol ¶6. (SBU) Despite the potential benefits of producing BT corn and cotton in Turkey, it is unlikely to occur in the near future. Monsanto, a large biotech seed developer, has abandoned plans to introduce biotech seeds in Turkey, and is instead producing and exporting conventional corn seeds which it markets to the EU. -------------- Trade: Close Call -------------- ¶7. (SBU) In July 2000 MARA began developing regulations which would have prohibited imports of all food and feed products not accompanied by `GMO-free' certificates. However, pressure from industry groups - primarily the poultry industry and feed millers association - convinced the GOT to suspend implementation. Since then, the GOT has been much more engaged with industry representatives on this issue. Hopefully, any future legislation would be more industry-friendly. -------------- Labelling -------------- ¶8. (SBU) There are no requirements that food products or feed containing GMOs be labelled. In the future, however, Turkey may opt to require labelling of processed foods containing GMO ingredients. Given past experience, the threshold will be as low as the current EU directives. Some companies voluntarily label their products "GMO Free" for marketing purposes. However, there are no regulations governing the use of these labels in Turkey. -------------- Traceability System -------------- ¶9. (SBU) There are no traceability requirements for food or feed in Turkey nor any regulations in place. No documentation requirements have been announced and none are in place concerning GMOs. -------------- Testing -------------- ¶10. (SBU) Currently, no imported or domestic products are being tested for GMO content. Although there is no legislation in place, the Genetics Laboratory at the Ankara Provincial Control Laboratory of Molecular Biology has been staffed and equipped recently and is awaiting legislation to begin their work to test imports and domestic products for GMO content. -------------- Ministry Oversight -------------- ¶11. (SBU) Currently, MARA has oversight for biotechnology by default since no legislation specifies GOT authority on this issue. Within MARA, Protection and Control (Quarantine Service) should have the lead, but in reality the Production and Development Agency is responsible. In the future, responsibility for biotechnology may be spread among different agencies including MARA and the Ministry of Environment. In addition, a Biotechnology and Biosafety Advisory Committee, which would include representatives from MARA, Environment, Health, Forestry, State Planning Office, and the Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade may also play a role in developing a national biosafety system as well as legislation. One official indicated that the Biosafety Advisory Committee would be `formed' in February 2004. -------------- Comment: The Future -------------- ¶12. (SBU) It is inevitable that Turkey will adopt some sort of legislation in the near future. In general, Turkish regulatory officials appear to be uninformed about this topic. Given past experiences, we would expect fairly restrictive legislation. However, there are pro- biotechnology voices including those in the agriculture sector that have been advocating for a more liberal policy. Edelman