(02/03/2004) - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced this week the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intention to update and strengthen its biotechnology regulations for the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

(01/03/2004) - Earlier this week, China has approved the final safety certificates for key agricultural products from the US. China’s Ministry of Agriculture has recently completed its biotechnology regulatory review of Roundup Ready soybeans, two corn, and two cotton products.

(25/02/2004) - The decision to authorize the import and processing of Monsanto's genetically modified (GM) maize known as NK603 was referred this week to the Council of Ministers. This took place after the Regulatory Committee on the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment did not reach the qualified majority necessary to support the Commission’s proposal.

(11/02/2004) - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will update and strengthen its biotechnology regulations for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said that “The science of biotechnology is continually evolving, so we must ensure that our regulatory framework remains robust by anticipating and keeping pace with those changes.”

(09/02/2004) - Mandatory labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods provide food processors and retailers a choice, however it does not facilitate consumer choice. This type of labeling is seen as a market barrier due to the rational decisions made by food processors.