Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08VIENNA211
2008-02-12 16:30:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Vienna
Cable title:
AUSTRIAN RESPONSE: DEMARCHE ON EU REGULATORY COMMITTEE
how-toVZCZCXRO6076 RR RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV DE RUEHVI #0211 0431630 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 121630Z FEB 08 FM AMEMBASSY VIENNA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9474 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS
UNCLAS VIENNA 000211
SIPDIS
SIPDIS, SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD TBIO AU
SUBJECT: AUSTRIAN RESPONSE: DEMARCHE ON EU REGULATORY COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 12 VOTE ON BIOTECH CORN, COTTON, AND SOYBEANS
REF: STATE 13142
UNCLAS VIENNA 000211
SIPDIS
SIPDIS, SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD TBIO AU
SUBJECT: AUSTRIAN RESPONSE: DEMARCHE ON EU REGULATORY COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 12 VOTE ON BIOTECH CORN, COTTON, AND SOYBEANS
REF: STATE 13142
1. (SBU) On February 11, post sent reftel points to the Ministries
of Agriculture, Economics, and Health. We followed up with Ingrid
Frasl from the Ministry of Economics' Multilateral Trade Policy
Unit, underscoring that it was important for Austria to allow the
EU's biotechnology system now in place to function. We emphasized
that EFSA has determined that the biotech varieties under
consideration were safe. Austria needed to accept the scientific
approval process in place.
2. (SBU) Frasl responded that the GoA agreed that the approval
process needed to be scientifically based. However, Frasl argued
that "science was not a precise field." EFSA opinions were
important, but the EU should also consider other scientific data,
Frasl opined. Member States, according to Frasl, were keen on
improving EFSA.
3. (SBU) EconUnit Chief cautioned against a growing sentiment in
the EU in general and in Austria in specific to ignore or
procrastinate implementation of WTO rulings on agricultural biotech.
It was important for the Ministry of Economy to ensure that broader
free trade principles were taken into account in GoA
inter-ministerial discussions.
4. (SBU) Frasl pointed out that agricultural biotech remained a
politically sensitive issue because of the staunch opposition to
GMOs throughout Austrian society. Moreover, there is absolutely no
demand - from consumers or producers - to demonstrate more
flexibility on GMOs. Austrian agriculture, according to Frasl, has
established a profitable niche for its bio products.
5. (SBU) Comment: Opposition to biotech remains deep-seated in
Austria. Austrian agro-business have profited from the barriers to
agricultural biotech by concentrating on a range of organic
products, both for the domestic market and for regional exports.
KILNER#
SIPDIS
SIPDIS, SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD TBIO AU
SUBJECT: AUSTRIAN RESPONSE: DEMARCHE ON EU REGULATORY COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 12 VOTE ON BIOTECH CORN, COTTON, AND SOYBEANS
REF: STATE 13142
1. (SBU) On February 11, post sent reftel points to the Ministries
of Agriculture, Economics, and Health. We followed up with Ingrid
Frasl from the Ministry of Economics' Multilateral Trade Policy
Unit, underscoring that it was important for Austria to allow the
EU's biotechnology system now in place to function. We emphasized
that EFSA has determined that the biotech varieties under
consideration were safe. Austria needed to accept the scientific
approval process in place.
2. (SBU) Frasl responded that the GoA agreed that the approval
process needed to be scientifically based. However, Frasl argued
that "science was not a precise field." EFSA opinions were
important, but the EU should also consider other scientific data,
Frasl opined. Member States, according to Frasl, were keen on
improving EFSA.
3. (SBU) EconUnit Chief cautioned against a growing sentiment in
the EU in general and in Austria in specific to ignore or
procrastinate implementation of WTO rulings on agricultural biotech.
It was important for the Ministry of Economy to ensure that broader
free trade principles were taken into account in GoA
inter-ministerial discussions.
4. (SBU) Frasl pointed out that agricultural biotech remained a
politically sensitive issue because of the staunch opposition to
GMOs throughout Austrian society. Moreover, there is absolutely no
demand - from consumers or producers - to demonstrate more
flexibility on GMOs. Austrian agriculture, according to Frasl, has
established a profitable niche for its bio products.
5. (SBU) Comment: Opposition to biotech remains deep-seated in
Austria. Austrian agro-business have profited from the barriers to
agricultural biotech by concentrating on a range of organic
products, both for the domestic market and for regional exports.
KILNER#