Regulatory factors affecting the agri-food biotechnology sector in the European Union

摘要

In Europe, in addition to public opposition to genetically modified food, the slow pace of development in agricultural and food biotechnology has been attributed to the lack of basic preconditions for commercial and innovative activities. The role andjustification of a significant degree of regulation related to crop biotechnology is discussed. We try to clarify the existing broad structures that regulate these genetic technologies by ibcusing on several areas: environmental regulation, international trade, labelling and intellectual property lights. We attempt to involve the growing range of actors with different interests in the agri-food chain: biotechnology companies, the seed industry, farmers and consumers. Finally, we discuss implications and limitation of the interpretation of the current European legislation.