AUSTRIAN RESPONSE: DEMARCHE ON EU REGULATORY COMMITTEE

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#