Differing U.S. and European Perspectives on GMOs

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) burst onto the scene in 1996 with the rapid commercial introduction in the United States of genetically engineered corn (maize), cotton, and soybeans. By 1998, more than 500 genetically modified plant varieties were available in the United States, accounting for 28 percent of the areas (2.57 million hectares) planted to maize, soybeans and cotton. Argentina and Canada had each planted an additional 100,000 hectares to GMOs and other countries (South Africa, Spain, France, Mexico, China, Australia, Brazil) had planted less than 100,000 hectares each (James, 1999). Perhaps more significant to consumers, these crops rapidly entered the supply chain for processed foods using corn, soybean, or cotton seed oils, with some estimating that between 70–100 percent of processed foods now contain GMOs (The Economist, 1999).In response to this rapid expansion, countries have developed diverse regulatory approaches to the production, marketing and development of these products. The US has been a particularly strong advocate for the biotechnology industry in terms of intellectual property protection and limited governmental regulatory oversight in the production and marketing of these products. In contrast, Europe has approached biotechnology with skepticism and has been slow to grant regulatory approval for new products. These differences, which grow out of variations in political, economic and cultural characteristics, have raised challenges for trade, agricultural and consumer policy.The purpose of this paper is to examine the underlying factors that have contributed to divergent US and European views on GMOs. After a brief overview of the historical and cultural differences dividing US and EU attitudes, we focus primarily on consumer labeling strategies and international trade.