Genetically Modified Food - Trade Regulation in view of Environmental Policy Objectives

Genetically Modified Food

Abstract

Table of contents

Acronyms and abbreviations

List of figures

List of tables

Introduction

1 Portrait: Genetically modified food

1.1 Definition and characteristics of GM food

1.2 Negative impacts of GM food

1.2.1 Risks for human health

1.2.2 Risks for the environment

1.3 Positive impacts of GM food

1.3.1 Benefits for farmers

1.3.2 Benefits for the environment

1.3.3 Benefits for consumers

1.3.4 Benefits for developing counties

2 Trade policy: Two approaches

2.1 US: The "principle of substantial equivalence“

2.2 EU: The "precautionary principle“

3 The legal framework for trade with GMOs

3.1 Legislation of the World Trade Organization

3.1.1 Article I and III GATT (WTO)

3.1.2 Article XI GATT (WTO)

3.1.3 Article XX GATT (WTO)

3.1.4 WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement

3.1.5 WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement

3.2 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

3.3 Implications for the EU-US trade dispute on GMOs

4 Tensions between GMO trade policy and environmental policy objectives

4.1 Scientific findings about risks of GM food

4.2 GMO policy against the background of limited scientific findings – qualitative approach

4.2.1 Utilitarian theory as a basis for policy formulation

4.2.2 Normative theory as a basis for policy formulation

4.2.3 Behavior of consumers as a basis of policy formulation

4.2.4 Behavior of biotech firms as a basis of policy formulation

4.3 GMO policy against the background of limited scientific findings – quantitative approach

4.4 Conclusions about the appropriate GMO policy

5 Consequences for international trade

5.1 Trade flows and global welfare effects

5.2 Potential protectionist behavior of the EU

5.3 Risk of an isolation of the EU from international trade

5.4 Recovery of international trade

Conclusion

Appendices

Bibliography

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