Wikileaks - CCLXXXV

59424 4/5/2006 11:33 06BUCHAREST574 Embassy Bucharest UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY VZCZCXRO2754 PP RUEHAG RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHBM #0574/01 0951133 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 051133Z APR 06 FM AMEMBASSY BUCHAREST TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4112 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEHRC/USDA FAS WASHDC 0369 UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BUCHAREST 000574

SIPDIS

FOR EUR/NCE - WILLIAM SILKWORTH FOR EB/TPP/ABT - MADELYN SPIRNAK FOR AMEMBASSY SOFIA - BRIAN GOGGIN

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR, ETRD, EU, TBIO, RO SUBJECT: GENETICALLY MODIFIED SOYBEANS STILL UNDER FIRE IN ROMANIA

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY.

1. (SBU) SUMMARY. With European Union (EU) accession looming, the Government of Romania (GOR) decided in January to ban the cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) soybeans starting in 2007, Romania's anticipated accession date. However, the GOR has yet to decide whether GM soybeans may be cultivated this year, although a decision is expected soon. Even if approved, the GOR passed regulations this winter severely limiting their use. Post is still working with agbiotech proponents inside and outside the GOR to gain approval for 2006, modify the restrictions and positively influence public opinions of GMO crops. END SUMMARY.
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GOR STILL MOVING TO A FULL BAN OF GM SOYBEANS
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2. (U) The GOR decided at a cabinet meeting in late January, to ban the cultivation of GM soybeans as of January 1, 2007, the date Romania hopes to join the EU. A Ministry of Agriculture press release about the decision noted that GM soybean cultivation is prohibited in the EU and Romania must clarify its position in advance of EU integration. The press release also claimed that a majority of EU member states and European consumers oppose the cultivation of GM crops and the use of their products. Finally, the press release stated that GM soybeans would be approved for 2006, but with additional restrictions forthcoming. These restrictions, which have yet to be published, will address traceability and control matters.

3. (SBU) Before announcing the 2007 ban, the GOR approved in December a new regulation which severely restricts GM soybean cultivation for the 2006 crop year. The new regulation prohibits the cultivation of GM soybeans within 15 kilometers of natural, protected areas. Not surprisingly, this restriction is not based on a scientific risk assessment. When challenged about the 15 km "buffer zone" at a meeting between the Ambassador and the Minister of Environment, a ministry official admitted that the restriction had no scientific basis. Rather, it was a political decision which took into account the views of several different ministries and agencies. Farmers in eastern Romania, an important soybean producing region, told EconOff that this new restriction will reduce the planting area in their region from 40,000 hectares to 700.

4. (SBU) Efforts are underway to amend the buffer zone restriction in parliament, and post has learned that the ministries of environment and agriculture will not oppose efforts to postpone the regulation until 2007. Parliament could take action as early as next week. Post has a close working relationship with two influential, pro-biotech parliamentarians. In addition, the Biotech Farmers Association (BFA), a local non- governmental organization (NGO) established last fall with the assistance of the Embassy, is actively lobbying GOR officials in support of GM soybeans. When asked what they would do if the GOR does not approve GM soybeans for 2006, one farmer told EconOff that they would plant anyway and create a political and legal crisis.
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EMBASSY CONTINUES PUBLIC OUTREACH CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF BIOTECH
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5. (SBU) Dr. Charles Hanrahan, an agricultural specialist with the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, met with parliamentarians, scientists, farmers and the press on March 23-24 to discuss agricultural biotechnology, particularly in the context of the U.S.-EU debate. Post designed a program which focused on current and potential biotech allies. For the parliamentary event, the Embassy invited members of the agriculture, environment and judiciary committees, as well as Members of Parliament (MP) who are observers to the European Parliament. Questions and reactions from the 14 MPs who attended the conference varied widely but were mostly supportive of biotech. Later, Hanrahan traveled to Romania's GM soybean- growing region to speak to the leadership of the Biotech Farmers Association. During the two-hour meeting, he educated members regarding the U.S.-EU debate and the EU approach to GM crops and products. Hanrahan also offered specific advice about lobbying strategies. Although press coverage of Hanrahan's visit was light, his March 23 press conference provided useful background information for reporters who routinely write on this subject.
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SOME MUNICIPALITIES DECLARE THEMSELVES "GMO-FREE"
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6. (U) In mid-March, several Romanian municipalities -- most from

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the Transylvanian mountain region -- declared themselves "genetically modified organism (GMO)-free." Practically speaking, the pronouncements have no effect since GM soybeans are not cultivated in this part of Romania. In addition, local officials do not have the legal authority to ban government- approved GMOs. The announcements were used by organic farming and environmental organizations to score points in the public debate. However, later in the month, an agricultural magazine well respected by farmers and researchers blasted the ministries of agriculture and environment for their recent anti-biotech actions.
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COMMENT
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7. (SBU) In May, Romania will probably find out whether it joins the EU in 2007 or 2008. With this pronouncement looming, government officials are scrambling to meet the EU's real or perceived demands. Nobody wants to be blamed for delaying accession. In this tense pre-accession environment, it is likely the GOR will continue to restrict the use of agricultural biotechnology. Post continues to hope that Romania can play an important role in bringing new biotechnology to the European Union. However, the Romanians are unlikely to advance their interests in agbiotech until after accession.

8. (SBU) Embassy's strategy is to continue to provide both the Romanian government and the public with information regarding the benefits of GM crops. In addition, Post will work with the U.S. GM seed companies to ensure that Romania respects its commitments made to the GM soybean growers to allow plantings this year.

TAUBMAN