Consumer Trust in Government is Key to GM Policies

Consumer Trust in Government is Key to GM Policies

WASHINGTON--The United States and the European Union (EU)appear to be on a collision course over the regulation of genetically modified(GM) food, senior U.S. government policy advisors said during a session calledby the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology (www.pewagbiotech.org)."Both the United States and EU governments have the same goal regardingfood policy: ensuring food and environmental safety," said MichaelRodemeyer, executive director of the Pew Initiative. "However, eachgovernment has embarked on a disparate approach to the issue, reflectingdifferent experiences, political philosophies and cultures."

David Hegwood, trade advisor to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman,said the United States believes the EU position would disrupt internationaltrade without legitimate cause. Other speakers added that the GM issue goesbeyond trade boundaries. "If a trade war is looming, it will not be aboutfood," said Julia Moore, a public policy scholar. "It will be aboutwho the public trusts to make choices about 21st century technologies and whothey see benefiting from the science."