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