Don't let the World Trade Organisation (WTO) tell you what to eat - bite back!

In 2003, the US, Canada and Argentina filed a complaint to the WTO against the EU's policy on GM crops. It followed heavy lobbying by big US-based biotech companies such as Monsanto.

The US argued that the EU's reluctance to authorise GM crops is an illegal barrier to free trade. It also claimed that US farmers would lose out on exports because they grow GM crops that are not approved in Europe. They went to the WTO to try to force the EU to accept the planting of GM crops.

After many secret panel meetings within the WTO - on 7 February 2006, the WTO issued a draft ruling in favour of the US and against EU attempts to protect its citizens from genetically modified foods.

This ruling will largely benefit biotech corporations. It will not only have an impact on EU countries, but could also impact on many developing countries and their ability to restrict the commercial planting of GM crops.

The final ruling is due later this year.

Campaign group Friends of the Earth recently released a leaked version of the draft ruling and have posted their analysis here.

ActionAid believes countries should have the right to decide for themselves and that this US action at the WTO sends a strong signal not just to Europe, but to the rest of the developing world.

ActionAid is part of the Bite back campaign which includes over 740 organisations working to ensure that the WTO does not force GM foods onto people against their wishes.

Don't let the WTO tell you what to eat - Bite back!

photo : ©Paul Langrock/ Zenit/ Greenpeace
photo : ©Paul Langrock/ Zenit/ Greenpeace