CORRECTED COPY: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: CARTAGENA

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000564 SIPDIS SENSITIVE FOR STATE/OES/ETC H. LEE STATE/EB/TPP/ABT/R. SINGH USDA/FAS/BIG JPPASSINO WHA/CAR KJMCISAAC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV EAGR EAID TBIO DR SUBJECT: CORRECTED COPY: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: CARTAGENA PROTOCOL RESPONSE REF: A. REF A: SECSTATE 259661 ¶B. REF B: SANTO DOMINGO 6842 ¶C. REF C: SANTO DOMINGO 6888 ¶1. (U) This is a response to a Reftel action request. ¶2. (U) The Government of Dominican Republic has no specific legislation or laws dealing with genetically modified organisms. The Dominican Republic is a large consumer of U.S. genetically modified agricultural products used mainly as feed for swine and poultry products. Last year, Dominican livestock producers imported 1.3 million metric tons of U.S. feed, much of it containing genetically modified corn and soybean meal. ¶3. (U) With passions running high over CAFTA-DR and the 25% tax on high frutose corn syrup (HFCS),local newspapers printed several op-eds supporting a closer look at genetically modified products, specifically genetically modified corn. These op-eds echoed many European opinions concerning genetically modified products. One op-ed from El Caribe Newspaper on June 3, 2004 that typifies similar pieces on the subject, presented the argument that genetically modified organisms threaten biodiversity, ultimately create insecticide resistant bugs and lead to conglomerates controlling the food supply through commercial patents on the new plants. Despite Dominican criticisms of genetically modified organisms, Dominican society generally accepts genetically modified organisms in their food supply and the "frankenfood" scare has not taken root. ¶4. (SBU) Comment. Now that the 25% tax on HFCS has been eliminated (Ref B),the Dominican Government is expected to begin the CAFTA-DR ratification process. Opponents of ratification will likely continue to use genetically modified organisms as a wedge issue in order to prevent passage of the CAFTA-DR trade agreement though it is doubtful that in the near future any new legislation will be introduced limiting market access to genetically modified organisms. End Comment. ¶5. (U) Drafted by Mark Kendrick ¶6. (U) This report and others can be read on the SIPRNET at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/santodomingo/ index.cfm along with extensive other current material. HERTELL