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

Authors: Ma. Carmen Fernandez Diez, Ma. Reyes Corripio Gil-Delgado

Addresses: Facultad de CC.EE. y Empresariales, Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid, c/Alberto Aguilera, 23 CP: 28015, Spain. ' Facultad de Derecho, Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid, c/Alberto Aguilera, 23, CP: 28015, Spain

Abstract: 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 and justification 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 focusing on several areas: environmental regulation, international trade, labelling and intellectual property rights. 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.

Keywords: agricultural biotechnology; food biotechnology; legislation; environmental regulation; labelling; patents; innovation; Europe.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2004.004813

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2004 Vol.6 No.2/3, pp.260 - 280

Published online: 07 Jul 2004 *

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