Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09LONDON2358
2009-10-16 15:04:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy London
Cable title:
REPLY TO BIOTECH VOTES DEMARCHE: OCTOBER 19
how-toVZCZCXRO2143 RR RUEHIK DE RUEHLO #2358 2891504 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 161504Z OCT 09 FM AMEMBASSY LONDON TO RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON DC RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3754 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS LONDON 002358
SIPDIS
STATE PASS EEB/TPP/ABT AND EUR/ERA,
STATE PASS USTR
USDA PASS FAS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD EUN TBIO
SUBJECT: REPLY TO BIOTECH VOTES DEMARCHE: OCTOBER 19
MEETINGS EU AGRICULTURE COUNCIL AND SCOFCAH
REF: STATE 106819
UNCLAS LONDON 002358
SIPDIS
STATE PASS EEB/TPP/ABT AND EUR/ERA,
STATE PASS USTR
USDA PASS FAS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD EUN TBIO
SUBJECT: REPLY TO BIOTECH VOTES DEMARCHE: OCTOBER 19
MEETINGS EU AGRICULTURE COUNCIL AND SCOFCAH
REF: STATE 106819
1. (U) Post delivered Reftel talking points to relevant UK
officials, including the Head of Novel Foods and Processes,
Food Standards Agency (FSA).
2. (U) We received a swift and unequivocal written
response:"The UK retains a science-based policy for biotech
authorizations and we have not identified any problems with
these maize varieties. We continue to press the Commission
to present its proposal for low level presence."
3. (U) Further clarification from the FSA was obtained
verbally. On the issue of zero tolerance, the FSA said: "We
won't let it lie, but realistically we expect little to no
action until the European Commissioners have started their
new terms (of office)." The FSA revealed that they do not
expect the zero tolerance issue to be raised in the EU
Agriculture Council meeting as it is not on the agenda.
However, they confirmed that their representative at the
Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH),
Mr. Keith Millar, Head of Animal Feed, will be raising zero
tolerance/low level presence as an issue, and pointing out
the long delay by the Commission in reaching a technical
solution at the start of this meeting.
4. (U) The FSA also clarified the nature of the SCOFCAH
agenda item in connection with Syngenta's Bt11. The European
Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will present its latest opinion
on the renewal of Bt11 authorization for discussion, not/not
for a vote.
Visit London's Classified Website:
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Unit ed_Kingdom
SUSMAN
SIPDIS
STATE PASS EEB/TPP/ABT AND EUR/ERA,
STATE PASS USTR
USDA PASS FAS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD EUN TBIO
SUBJECT: REPLY TO BIOTECH VOTES DEMARCHE: OCTOBER 19
MEETINGS EU AGRICULTURE COUNCIL AND SCOFCAH
REF: STATE 106819
1. (U) Post delivered Reftel talking points to relevant UK
officials, including the Head of Novel Foods and Processes,
Food Standards Agency (FSA).
2. (U) We received a swift and unequivocal written
response:"The UK retains a science-based policy for biotech
authorizations and we have not identified any problems with
these maize varieties. We continue to press the Commission
to present its proposal for low level presence."
3. (U) Further clarification from the FSA was obtained
verbally. On the issue of zero tolerance, the FSA said: "We
won't let it lie, but realistically we expect little to no
action until the European Commissioners have started their
new terms (of office)." The FSA revealed that they do not
expect the zero tolerance issue to be raised in the EU
Agriculture Council meeting as it is not on the agenda.
However, they confirmed that their representative at the
Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH),
Mr. Keith Millar, Head of Animal Feed, will be raising zero
tolerance/low level presence as an issue, and pointing out
the long delay by the Commission in reaching a technical
solution at the start of this meeting.
4. (U) The FSA also clarified the nature of the SCOFCAH
agenda item in connection with Syngenta's Bt11. The European
Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will present its latest opinion
on the renewal of Bt11 authorization for discussion, not/not
for a vote.
Visit London's Classified Website:
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Unit ed_Kingdom
SUSMAN