GENETICALLY MODIFIED SOYBEANS STILL UNDER FIRE IN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BUCHAREST 000574

SIPDIS

FOR EUR/NCE - WILLIAM SILKWORTH
FOR EB/TPP/ABT - MADELYN SPIRNAK
FOR AMEMBASSY SOFIA - BRIAN GOGGIN

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ETRD EU TBIO RO
SUBJECT: GENETICALLY MODIFIED SOYBEANS STILL UNDER FIRE IN
ROMANIA


SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY.


1. (SBU) SUMMARY. With European Union (EU) accession looming,
the Government of Romania (GOR) decided in January to ban the
cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) soybeans starting in
2007, Romania's anticipated accession date. However, the GOR has
yet to decide whether GM soybeans may be cultivated this year,
although a decision is expected soon. Even if approved, the GOR
passed regulations this winter severely limiting their use. Post
is still working with agbiotech proponents inside and outside the
GOR to gain approval for 2006, modify the restrictions and
positively influence public opinions of GMO crops. END SUMMARY.

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GOR STILL MOVING TO A FULL BAN OF GM SOYBEANS
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2. (U) The GOR decided at a cabinet meeting in late January, to
ban the cultivation of GM soybeans as of January 1, 2007, the
date Romania hopes to join the EU. A Ministry of Agriculture
press release about the decision noted that GM soybean
cultivation is prohibited in the EU and Romania must clarify its
position in advance of EU integration. The press release also
claimed that a majority of EU member states and European
consumers oppose the cultivation of GM crops and the use of their
products. Finally, the press release stated that GM soybeans
would be approved for 2006, but with additional restrictions
forthcoming. These restrictions, which have yet to be published,
will address traceability and control matters.


3. (SBU) Before announcing the 2007 ban, the GOR approved in
December a new regulation which severely restricts GM soybean
cultivation for the 2006 crop year. The new regulation prohibits
the cultivation of GM soybeans within 15 kilometers of natural,
protected areas. Not surprisingly, this restriction is not based
on a scientific risk assessment. When challenged about the 15 km
"buffer zone" at a meeting between the Ambassador and the
Minister of Environment, a ministry official admitted that the
restriction had no scientific basis. Rather, it was a political
decision which took into account the views of several different
ministries and agencies. Farmers in eastern Romania, an
important soybean producing region, told EconOff that this new
restriction will reduce the planting area in their region from
40,000 hectares to 700.


4. (SBU) Efforts are underway to amend the buffer zone
restriction in parliament, and post has learned that the
ministries of environment and agriculture will not oppose efforts
to postpone the regulation until 2007. Parliament could take
action as early as next week. Post has a close working
relationship with two influential, pro-biotech parliamentarians.
In addition, the Biotech Farmers Association (BFA),a local non-
governmental organization (NGO) established last fall with the
assistance of the Embassy, is actively lobbying GOR officials in
support of GM soybeans. When asked what they would do if the GOR
does not approve GM soybeans for 2006, one farmer told EconOff
that they would plant anyway and create a political and legal
crisis.

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EMBASSY CONTINUES PUBLIC OUTREACH CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF BIOTECH
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5. (SBU) Dr. Charles Hanrahan, an agricultural specialist with
the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress,
met with parliamentarians, scientists, farmers and the press on
March 23-24 to discuss agricultural biotechnology, particularly
in the context of the U.S.-EU debate. Post designed a program
which focused on current and potential biotech allies. For the
parliamentary event, the Embassy invited members of the
agriculture, environment and judiciary committees, as well as
Members of Parliament (MP) who are observers to the European
Parliament. Questions and reactions from the 14 MPs who attended
the conference varied widely but were mostly supportive of
biotech. Later, Hanrahan traveled to Romania's GM soybean-
growing region to speak to the leadership of the Biotech Farmers
Association. During the two-hour meeting, he educated members
regarding the U.S.-EU debate and the EU approach to GM crops and
products. Hanrahan also offered specific advice about lobbying
strategies. Although press coverage of Hanrahan's visit was
light, his March 23 press conference provided useful background
information for reporters who routinely write on this subject.

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SOME MUNICIPALITIES DECLARE THEMSELVES "GMO-FREE"
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6. (U) In mid-March, several Romanian municipalities -- most from

BUCHAREST 00000574 002 OF 002


the Transylvanian mountain region -- declared themselves
"genetically modified organism (GMO)-free." Practically
speaking, the pronouncements have no effect since GM soybeans are
not cultivated in this part of Romania. In addition, local
officials do not have the legal authority to ban government-
approved GMOs. The announcements were used by organic farming
and environmental organizations to score points in the public
debate. However, later in the month, an agricultural magazine
well respected by farmers and researchers blasted the ministries
of agriculture and environment for their recent anti-biotech
actions.

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COMMENT
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7. (SBU) In May, Romania will probably find out whether it joins
the EU in 2007 or 2008. With this pronouncement looming,
government officials are scrambling to meet the EU's real or
perceived demands. Nobody wants to be blamed for delaying
accession. In this tense pre-accession environment, it is likely
the GOR will continue to restrict the use of agricultural
biotechnology. Post continues to hope that Romania can play an
important role in bringing new biotechnology to the European
Union. However, the Romanians are unlikely to advance their
interests in agbiotech until after accession.


8. (SBU) Embassy's strategy is to continue to provide both the
Romanian government and the public with information regarding the
benefits of GM crops. In addition, Post will work with the U.S.
GM seed companies to ensure that Romania respects its commitments
made to the GM soybean growers to allow plantings this year.

TAUBMAN