Environmental, Consumer, Farm Groups Submit Amicus Brief in Controversial WTO Case Involving Genetically Modified Organisms

June 2, 2004

On the eve of the first hearing in a controversial World Trade Organization (WTO) case challenging European Union (EU) policies on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a coalition of environmental, agriculture and consumer organizations submitted an amicus brief challenging the case against the EU. The amicus brief argues that WTO rules must give countries wide latitude to regulate GMOs given the significant level of scientific uncertainty concerning the environmental and health impacts of GMOs.

The case is scheduled for its first hearing before a WTO dispute panel today, June 2, 2004, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The five organizations that filed the brief - the Center for International Environment Law (CIEL), Friends of the Earth - United States (FoE-US), Defenders of Wildlife, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), and the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) - are all based in the United States, the lead party challenging the EU's policies at the WTO. Copies of the amicus brief were also sent to the parties in the case.

This case has been met with substantial concern by environmentalists, consumers, farmers, biotech companies, and many others because it poses a fundamental challenge to the right of WTO- member countries to adopt policies to protect the environment and public health.

Additional speakers and information available upon request. The amicus brief and the motion to submit the amicus brief are both available on CIEL's website.