Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 7/6/2006

**GAIN Report Number:** AU6018

AU6018

**Austria**

**Biotechnology**

**Annual**

**2006**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Sarah Hanson

U.S Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Dr. Roswitha Krautgartner

**Report Highlights:**

Eight of Austria\'s nine Federal States have passed biotechnology
precautionary bills to protect their organic and small-scale
agricultural sector with the ninth State implementing precautionary
measures in its Environmental Act. Three Austrian ordinances still ban
the planting of all EU-approved biotech crops. In addition, the Austrian
Ministry of Health issued a government ordinance to implement a
marketing ban on Monsanto\'s GT73 oilseed rape. The Austrian Government
used its EU presidency during the first half of 2006 to generate wide
discussion on agricultural biotechnology amongst EU countries. Two big
conferences on green biotechnology were hosted by Austria in 2006.
Austria remains hostile to biotech crops.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Vienna \[AU1\]

\[AU\]

Table of Contents

[Section I. Executive Summary 3](#section-i.-executive-summary)

[Section II. Biotechnology and Production
3](#section-ii.-biotechnology-and-production)

[a) Commercial Production of Biotechnology Crops
3](#commercial-production-of-biotechnology-crops)

[b) Biotechnology Crops Under Development
3](#biotechnology-crops-under-development)

[c) Imports of Biotechnology Crops/Products
3](#imports-of-biotechnology-cropsproducts)

[d) Food Aid 4](#food-aid)

[e) Production of Biotechnology Crops not Developed in the United States
4](#production-of-biotechnology-crops-not-developed-in-the-united-states)

[Section III. Biotechnology Policy
4](#section-iii.-biotechnology-policy)

[a) Regulatory Framework 4](#regulatory-framework)

[EU Law 4](#eu-law)

[National Law 4](#national-law)

[Three Ordinances to Ban the Import of Genetically Modified Corn
5](#three-ordinances-to-ban-the-import-of-genetically-modified-corn)

[New Ordinances to Ban the Import of GT73 Oilseed Rape
5](#new-ordinance-to-ban-the-import-of-gt73-oilseed-rape)

[Federal State Law 6](#federal-state-law)

[Biotechnology Precautionary Bills Already in Five out of Nine States
6](#biotechnology-precautionary-bills-already-in-eight-of-the-nine-states)

[ Responsible Government Ministries
6](#responsible-government-ministries)

[ Biosafety Committee 7](#biosafety-committee)

[ Political Factors 7](#political-factors)

[b) List of Approved Biotechnology Crops
8](#list-of-approved-biotechnology-crops)

[ Food, Processing and Feed 8](#food-processing-and-feed)

[ Environment 8](#environment)

[c) Field Testing of Biotechnology Crops
8](#field-testing-of-biotechnology-crops)

[d) Treatment of 'Stacked' Events 9](#treatment-of-stacked-events)

[e) Coexistence 9](#coexistence)

[ Liability 9](#liability)

[f) Labeling for Packaged Foods or Feeds
9](#labeling-for-packaged-foods-or-feeds)

[ Enforcement 9](#enforcement)

[g) Biosafety Protocol 10](#biosafety-protocol)

[National Focal Point -- Biosafety Clearing House
10](#national-focal-point-biosafety-clearing-house)

[h) Biotechnology Related Trade Barriers that Hurt U.S. Exports
10](#biotechnology-related-trade-barriers-that-hurt-u.s.-exports)

[i) Pending Legislation to Affect U.S. Exports
11](#pending-legislation-to-affect-u.s.-exports)

[j) Biotechnology in Austria in the context of the EU
11](#biotechnology-in-austria-in-the-context-of-the-eu)

[k) 'Technology Fees' for Commercially Planted Biotechnology Crops
11](#technology-fees-for-commercially-planted-biotechnology-crops)

[Section IV. Marketing Issues 11](#section-iv.-marketing-issues)

[a) Market Acceptance Issues to the Sale of Biotechnology Crops
11](#market-acceptance-issues-to-the-sale-of-biotechnology-crops)

[b) Studies on the Marketing of Biotechnolgogy Products
11](#studies-on-the-marketing-of-biotechnolgogy-products)

[Section V. Capacity Building and Outreach
11](#section-v.-capacity-building-and-outreach)

[a) USDA-funded Capacity Building or Outreach Activities
11](#usda-funded-capacity-building-or-outreach-activities)

[b) Needs or Strategies 11](#needs-or-strategies)

[Section VI. Reference Material 11](#section-vi.-reference-material)

[Appendix A. Table of Approved Biotechnology Products
12](#appendix-a.-table-of-approved-biotechnology-products)

# Section I. Executive Summary

Austrian politicians, government decision makers, farmer organizations
and consumers share the opinion that agricultural biotechnology carries
an incalculable risk, does not have benefits, and is not needed. Within
the European Union, Austria is one of the leading opponents of
agricultural biotechnology.

The Austrian Government used its EU presidency during the first half of
2006 to generate wide discussion on agricultural biotechnology amongst
EU countries. Two big conferences on green biotechnology were hosted by
Austria.

Austria has fully implemented EU regulations on biotechnology and put in
place stricter national laws. Eight of the nine Federal States have
passed biotechnology precautionary bills to protect their organic and
small-scale agricultural sector, the ninth State implemented measures in
its Environmental Act. Three Austrian ordinances ban the planting of all
EU-approved biotech crops. In addition to that the Austrian Ministry of
Health issued a government ordinance on April 13, 2006 to implement a
marketing ban on Monsanto\'s glyphosate-tolerant GT73 oilseed rape.

Responding to consumers' anti-biotech attitudes and NGOs' anti-biotech
lobbying, the Austrian retail sector agreed to refrain from stocking or
selling biotech foods. Presently only biotech feed (soybean meal) can be
found in the Austrian market.

# Section II. Biotechnology and Production

## Commercial Production of Biotechnology Crops

Austria does not commercially produce biotech crops.

## Biotechnology Crops Under Development

There are no biotech crops under development in Austria that will be on
the market in the coming year.

## Imports of Biotechnology Crops/Products

Austria imports on average 600,000 MT of soybean meal for feeding
purposes a year. The imports mainly come from Germany and the
Netherlands, where soybeans from North and South America are processed.
90% of the soybean meal is labeled and declared as being derived from
biotech soybeans.

## Food Aid

Austria is not a food aid recipient and is not likely to be one in the
near future.

## Production of Biotechnology Crops not Developed in the United States

Austria does not produce any biotech crops.

# 

# Section III. Biotechnology Policy

## Regulatory Framework

#### EU Law {#eu-law .Nix}

Austria has fully implemented EU regulations on biotechnology.

#### National Law {#national-law .Nix}

**Gene Technology Act (Gentechnikgesetz)**

As a member of the European Union, Austria has implemented the
directives, decisions, regulations and guidelines of the European Union
pertaining to LMOs (Living Modified Organisms) through federal laws and
ordinances. The Gene Technology Act and its amendments represent the
core of Austrian regulations. It regulates the main aspects of
biotechnology and genetic engineering: contained use of LMOs, deliberate
release of LMOs into the environment, the placing on the market of
products that contain LMOs, and the application of biotechnology in
human medicine, such as gene analysis and gene therapy.

**The Ordinance on Work with LMOs in Contained Use (Systemverordnung)**

The Ordinance on Work with LMOs in Contained Use defines the Gene
Technology Act in more detail, such as risk assessment, the
classification of LMOs, the necessary equipment of laboratories
according to classification and scale, qualification of staff, safety
aspects, and the measures to be taken in case of accidents.

The Ordinance on Deliberate Release of LMOs into the Environment
(Freisetzungsverordnung)

The Ordinance on the Deliberate Release of LMOs into the Environment is
also based on the Gene Technology Act and contains the requirements in
more detail that have to be considered by applicants for the approval of
a deliberate release of a LMO in Austria.

The Ordinance on Public Hearings (Anhörungsverordnung)

The Ordinance on Public Hearings prescribes in more detail the
administrative procedures that have to be considered in those cases
where the Austrian Gene Technology Act requires a mandatory public
hearing. These cases are: applications for deliberate release of LMOs
into the environment and contained use of LMOs in higher risk classes
and on a large scale.

\"Book of Biotechnology\" (Gentechnikbuch)

The chapters of the \"Book of Biotechnology\" are put out by the
Advisory Board on Gene Technology and outline the current \"state of
technology" in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering and
are meant to keep pace with biotech advances. The book has the legal
status of an objectified expert opinion. If necessary chapters of the
book can be published as an ordinance and thus enter into force like a
law.

\"Register of products containing LMOs\" (Gentechnikregister)

The \"Register of products containing LMOs\" continuously lists up those
products that have been approved under Directive 90/220/EEC following
the procedures of Article 13.

##### Three Ordinances to Ban the Import of Genetically Modified Corn

In three cases, namely the placing on the market of genetically modified
corn by two companies, Austria has issued a ban for the import of these
products into Austria. The measures were taken in accordance with
Article 16 of Directive 90/220/EEC and led to the publication of three
ordinances dealing with this subject: Import ban on the genetically
modified corn breeding line **MON 810** (Verbot des Inverkehrbringens
des gentechnisch veränderten Maises Zea Mays L., Linie **MON 810)**,
import ban on the genetically modified corn breeding line **T25**
(Verbot des Inverkehrbringens des gentechnisch veränderten Maises Zea
Mays L., Linie **T25)**, and import ban on the genetically modified corn
breeding line **Bt 176** (Verbot des Inverkehrbringens des gentechnisch
veränderten Maises Zea Mays L., Linie **Bt 176**).

Austria, France, Germany, Greece and Luxembourg put in place "safeguard
bans" to exclude EU approved biotech products under article 16 of
environmental Directive 90/220 -- the forerunner of Directive 2001/18 on
the deliberate release of GMO's into the environment. The European
Commission believes that these bans are not justified and should be
abolished. At the EU Environment's Council meeting on June 24, 2005, the
European Commission had proposed that the bans on various strains of
corn and rapeseed be lifted. The Council meeting brought an overwhelming
vote against the lifting of all bans (only UK voted in favor of lifting
all eight GMO bans, while Finland and Sweden abstained). Austria and its
combatant countries succeeded in preventing the repeal of the national
GMO bans by the European Commission. At this stage it cannot be
predicted if or when the Commission will either resubmit the bid or drop
it or even will end up going to the court.

##### New Ordinance to Ban the Import of GT73 Oilseed Rape

The Austrian Ministry of Health issued a government ordinance on April
13, 2006 to implement a marketing ban on oilseed rape deriving from
Monsanto\'s glyphosate-tolerant GT73 canola line. The ordinance expires
December 31, 2008, at which time the Ministry of Health intends to
re-assess the scientific database. Although the EU Commission approved
GT73 in August 2005, the Austrian Health Ministry declared that it would
provide well-supported reasons for issuing the ordinance. The Austrian
Health Minister cited recent studies from the University of Vienna's
Institute for Environmental Protection and Vegetation Ecology as
justification for the ban. The studies concluded that unintentional
mingling of biotech rape with conventional seeds along transportation
routes (rails, roads, loading platforms) is possible. The Austrian
Federal Environmental Agency produced a separate report highlighting
"inadequate testing of the product with regard to toxicity and
allergies". The scientific committee of the Austrian Biotechnology
Commission also recommended the ban until 2008.

Ordinance on Labeling of Products that Contain LMOs
(Gentechnik-Kennzeichnungsverordnung)

The Ordinance on Labeling of products that contain LMOs prescribes the
mandatory labeling for products that contain LMOs or consist of mixtures
of both modified and non-modified organisms. This regulation does not
apply to \"novel foods\", pharmaceuticals and products that are only
destined for contained use or scientific purposes.

Ordinance on Genetically Modified Seed (Saatgut-Gentechnik-Verordnung)

The Ordinance on Genetically Modified Seed prescribes the mandatory
labeling for all genetically modified seed varieties covered by
Directive 90/220/EEC. Furthermore the ordinance sets up a threshold for
accidental contamination of conventional and organic seed with
genetically modified seed (0,1% for subsequent controls).

Ordinance on Thresholds of certain Genetically Modified Organisms in
Feed (Futtermittel-GVO-Schwellenwert-Verordnung)

The Ordinance on Thresholds of certain Genetically Modified Organisms in
Feed sets up a threshold of 1% for accidental or technically unavoidable
contamination of feed with certain LMOs.

Ordinance to Limit Emissions in Waste Water Resulting from Work with
LMOs (AEV Gentechnik)

Another Ordinance passed by the Minister for Agriculture regulates the
limitation for emissions in waste water resulting from work with LMOs in
containment.

Ordinance on the Protection of Employees against Hazards caused by
Biological Agents (Verordnung biologische Arbeitsstoffe --VbA)

The Ordinance on the Protection of Employees against Hazards caused by
Biological Agents prescribes measures to be taken to avoid risks and
dangers resulting from work with biological agents such as equipment,
hygiene, handling of agents, reduction of exposure, vaccination of
employees etc. An annex contains a classification of organisms.

\"Codex Alimentarius Austriacus\" (Oesterreichisches Lebensmittelbuch)

Soft law: The \"Codex Alimentarius Austriacus\" contains guidance about
the definition of \"LMO-free\" products. (Codexrichtlinie zur Definition
der \"Gentechnikfreiheit\") This guidance applies for foodstuffs that
are labeled as \"without use of gene technology\".

#### Federal State Law

In Austria [nature
conservation](http://www.biodiv.at/bch/regulations/#nature), water
protection areas, landscape preservation, animal breeding, and fishery
are covered by State laws. Several states have amended laws in order to
cover the deliberate release of LMOs -- both for scientific and for
commercial purposes -- in conservation areas and for animal breeding and
fishery.

##### 

##### Biotechnology Precautionary Bills Already in Eight of the Nine States

Nature Conservation:

In principle the State Laws on Nature Conservation lay down a
prohibition of the deliberate release of LMOs into nature. Exceptions
are made in cases of compliance with the Austrian Gene Technology Act if
there are no adverse effects on the balance of nature, on wild animals
and plants, and on landscapes in general.

Precautionary Bills generally include the authority to pass statutory
coexistence measures that are aimed against "contamination" from biotech
crops. The release of biotech crops is subject to prior registration or
approval by the authorities. Sensitive areas like national parks or
nature reserves can generally be excluded from the planting of biotech
crops.

In the eight Federal States of Salzburg, Carinthia, Burgenland, Tyrol,
Lower Austria, Vienna, Upper Austria, and Styria, Biotechnology
Precautionary Bills have already passed State Governments. The State
Vorarlberg has not issued a special Precautionary Bill, but the Act on
Environmental Protection and Rural Development contains the possibility
of prohibiting the cultivation of biotech crops (approval is required).
The draft law of Upper Austria in 2002 aimed to prohibit the cultivation
of biotech crops, as well as transgenic animals, and it was considered
not to be in conformity with the EU law by the EU Commission. In March
2005, the Upper Austrian Government appealed against this Commission
decision at the European Court of Justice. The EU Court of First
Instance rejected Upper Austria\'s appeal. Having failed to issue a
total ban of biotech crops and animals Upper Austria issued a
Biotechnology Precautionary Bill like the model bill of Salzburg and
Carinthia. The Upper Austrian Government still wants to fight for a ban
of all GMO's and applied for another hearing at the European Court,
which is still pending.

### Responsible Government Ministries

**Federal Ministry of Health and Women\
**Responsible for contained use and deliberate release applications from
industry and research institutions except universities.

Contact:

> Dr. Michel Haas\
> Federal Ministry for Health and Women\
> Dept. IV/B/12\
> Radetzkystrasse 2, A-1031 Vienna, Austria\
> Phone: + 43 1 71100 4845, Fax: + 43 1 715 24 05\
> E-mail: michel.haas@bmgf.gv.at

**Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture\
**Responsible for contained use and deliberate release applications from
universities.

Contact:

> Dr. Alois Haslinger\
> Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture\
> Rosengasse 2-4, A-1014 Vienna, Austria\
> Phone: + 43 1 53 120 7114, Fax: + 43 1 53 120 6205\
> E-mail: <alois.haslinger@bmbwk.gv.at>.

**Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water
Management/Federal Environment Agency\
**Gives comments in cases of deliberate release and of placing products
on the market.

Contact:

> Dr. Helmut Gaugitsch\
> Federal Environment Agency\
> Spittelauer Laende 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria\
> Phone: + 43 1 313 04 3133, Fax: + 43 1 313 04 3700\
> E-mail: <helmut.gaugitsch@umweltbundesamt.at>

### Biosafety Committee

**Commission for Gene Technology ("Gentechnik-Kommission")\
**The Commission for Gene Technology is an advisory body consisting of
representatives from science, industry, government, NGOs and trade
unions. The Commission gives comments on regulations and ordinances,
establishes technical guidelines and gives triennial reports to the
Parliament. Its scientific subcommittees give advice on actual
applications of contained use and deliberate release. The Austrian Gene
Technology Act lays down the rules for the installation and work of this
commission and its three standing scientific committees.

**Task Force on Gene Technology in Agriculture (Arbeitsgruppe Gentechnik
in der Landwirtschaft)\
**The Austrian Ministry of Agriculture initiated the Task Force on Gene
Technology in Agriculture with the aim to achieve a coordinated approach
for managing the coexistence of biotechnological crops, conventional
crops and organically produced crops in all nine Federal States. This
task force consists of members of the Ag Ministry, the Health Ministry,
representatives of the nine Federal States, the Chambers of Agriculture,
and representatives of the organic farmers association.

### Political Factors

Austria is well known as one of the strongest opponents of agricultural
biotechnology within the European Union. Surveys show that Austrians are
more skeptical of biotechnology than the average Europeans. A large
discrepancy is found between the acceptance of medical and agricultural
applications. Red, or medical, biotechnology is highly accepted whereas
applications in agriculture are condemned.

In agriculture, public opinion about biotechnology maintains that it is
a hazard for both organic and conventional farming. Austrians, and
especially a high percentage of farmers, think that coexistence of
biotech crops and conventional crops is impossible in Austria due to the
small-scale farm structure.

Austrian politicians, governmental decision makers, farmer organizations
and consumers share the opinion that green, or agricultural,
biotechnology carries an incalculable risk. Also they do not see any
benefits or need for biotech crops in Austria.

Austrian States are taking steps to protect their organic and
small-scale conventional agricultural sector by passing biotechnology
precautionary bills. In addition to that, tough national regulations on
registration, liability and supervision deter farmers and suppliers from
employing agricultural biotechnology.

Four Austrian ordinances still effectively ban the planting of all
EU-approved biotech crops and the marketing of the approved oilseed
rape. The EU Commission has criticized these ordinances for a long time.
The voting at a EU Council meeting end of June 2005 did not result in
lifting the bans. Up to now there have not been any further actions on
the bans. At this time it is hard to predict when and what the
Commission will do as a next step.

The Austrian Government used its EU presidency during the first half of
2006 to generate intensive discussion of biotech agriculture within EU
countries. Two big conferences on green biotechnology were hosted by
Austria. The first conference at the beginning of April was entitled:
"Co-existence of Genetically Modified, Conventional, and Organic Crops
-- Freedom of Choice." The Conference brought together almost 500
various stakeholders from EU Member States. The conference generated
lively debate on co-existence and presented both the positive and
negative aspects of workable co-existence in Europe. The Austrian
Agriculture Minister Josef Proell noted the need for an EU-wide
coexistence legislation whereas EU Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel
maintained that an EU-wide legal provision on coexistence was not
justified at present. The second conference in mid April 2006, focused
on "The role of precaution in GMO policy". The discussion at this
conference evidenced a broad consensus regarding the recognition of the
Precautionary Principle as one of the fundamental aspects that define
the European approach to biotech legislation.

Hardly any food that has to be labeled under the EU Regulations (EC) No
1829/2003 and No 1830/2003 can be found in Austria's supermarkets and
grocery stores. Because of the anti-biotech attitude of Austrian
consumers more than 90% of the Austrian retail sector agreed to refrain
from stocking or selling biotech food.

NGOs and farmer's organizations, the food-processing sector, and the
retail sector are carrying out anti-biotech campaigns where they promote
GM-free food.

## List of Approved Biotechnology Crops

### Food, Processing and Feed

No single biotech crop is approved by Austria. National ordinances still
effectively prevent the planting of EU-approved biotech crops.

### Environment

No approvals.

## Field Testing of Biotechnology Crops

According to the Gene Technology Act, field-testing of biotech crops is
allowed in principle, but it has to be approved by the competent
authorities. So far there has been no field-testing of biotech crops in
Austria. There are also no applications for field-testing at the moment.

## Treatment of 'Stacked' Events

Not applicable.

## Coexistence

The Austrian Government is working on coexistence guidelines for
biotechnology, conventional, and organic crop production. The
Biotechnology Precautionary Bills of the Federal State stipulate
registration or approval of planting of biotech crops. The coexistence
guidelines should clarify under which circumstances the planting of a
biotech crop can be approved. The guidelines will provide crop specific
requirements (e.g. isolation distances to other crops).

The Austrian Agriculture Ministry commissioned an expert team consisting
of representatives of the Federal States, the Chambers of Agriculture,
the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, and the Agriculture
Ministry. In addition, an enlarged team with representatives from
breeders associations, the seed production sector and consumers were
included in this work to develop recommendations for a national strategy
on coexistence. The expert group is working on developing uniform
Austria-wide guidelines for coexistence management to help state
authorities decide whether or not cultivation of biotech crops is
possible in a given case and under which conditions such cultivation can
be permitted (e.g. minimum isolation distances from non-biotech crops).

### Liability

The Biotechnology Act has been tightened by the Austrian Government to
make producing biotech crops unattractive. Specifically, the Biotech Act
foresees a) comprehensive compliance with the precautionary principle;
b) "duty of care" against unintended mingling of biotech and non-biotech
crops; c) the introduction of a "biotechnology register" to record dates
and places of the release of biotech crops, and most important; d)
liability and compensation rules regarding perceived damage from biotech
crops neighboring conventional or organic farmers. The Austrian
Government considers tough liability rules a necessary measure to
facilitate coexistence.

##  {#section-2 .unnumbered}

## Labeling for Packaged Foods or Feeds

According to Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and
feed and Regulation (EC) 1830/2003 concerning the traceability and
labeling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food
and feed products from genetically modified organisms, all foods and
feeds containing more than 0.9% genetically modified organisms have to
be labeled as genetically modified.

### Enforcement

Official enforcement control is carried out at every stage of production
and trade in order to check requirements for biotech products. Producers
and traders are required to document products containing GMOs and
forward this information to all buyers in the distribution channel. The
Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) is in charge of
monitoring the implementation of all biotech products. AGES is carrying
out about 345 inspections per year throughout Austria to control
labeling requirements. Those inspections are mainly done at wholesalers
and producers. Inspections include audits of documentation and if
products of suspicion (e.g. containing soybean meal originating from a
country, where GMO's are produced on a large scale) are found, the
product itself is tested. In 2004, two tested products were rejected
because of exceeding biotech threshold values (0.9%) according to the
Traceability and Labeling Regulations. At the moment only a few samples
are tested from supermarket shelves. Imported products are mainly
checked through the documentation that has to certify that it is
GM-free. The Tracability and Labeling Regulations do not stipulate
specific penalties for non-compliance for EU Member States. However,
Aritcle 74 of the Austrian Food Law provides a framework for fines up to
a maximum penalty of 7,300 Euro for individual violations. In addition
approximately 200 seed lots (corn, rapeseed, and soybean) per year are
tested for GMO occurrence. The inspections include product analysis, and
audits of documentation. Regarding seeds, in 2004 no violations were
found. Government officials state, that the number of audited
establishments and the number of tested samples will be increased, if an
increased number of violations against biotech regulations are found. At
the moment, the emphasis of Austrian enforcement is mainly at the
documentation level and not on product testing.

## Biosafety Protocol

Austria signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety on May 24, 2000. It
was ratified in August 2002 and entered into force on September 11,
2003.

##### National Focal Point -- Biosafety Clearing House

The Federal Environment Agency acts as the National Focal Point and
Biosafety Clearing House in the framework of the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety.

**For the \"Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety (ICCP)\":**

Contact:

Dr. Helmut Gaugitsch\
Federal Environment Agency\
Spittelauer Laende 5\
A-1090 Vienna \
Austria\
Phone: + 43 1 313 04 3133, Fax: + 43 1 313 04 3700\
E-mail: helmut.gaugitsch@umweltbundesamt.at

**For the \"Biosafety Clearing House (BCH)\":**

Contact:

Mag. Alice Schmatzberger\
Federal Environment Agency\
Spittelauer Laende 5\
A-1090 Vienna\
Austria\
Phone: + 43 1 313 04 3135, Fax: + 43 1 313 04 3700\
E-mail: <alice.schmatzberger@umweltbundesamt.at>

## Biotechnology Related Trade Barriers that Hurt U.S. Exports

The main trade barrier to U.S. biotech products is the fact that the
Austrian public does not accept biotech crops, food and feed. The
Austrian and EU regulatory systems are also trade barriers for
agricultural biotech products.

## Pending Legislation to Affect U.S. Exports

None.

## Biotechnology in Austria in the context of the EU

See above.

## 'Technology Fees' for Commercially Planted Biotechnology Crops

Not applicable.

# 

# Section IV. Marketing Issues

## Market Acceptance Issues to the Sale of Biotechnology Crops

The average consumer in Austria has a very negative attitude towards
crops and food deriving from biotech crops. Presently there is only a
market for feed derived from biotech crops.

## Studies on the Marketing of Biotechnolgogy Products

"Eurobarometer 2002"

The EU co-financed study shows that Austrians are still the most opposed
consumers against biotech products within the EU.

According to a survey done by the Focus Institute and published in
September 2005, only 11% of Austrian consumers are willing to buy foods
containing biotech ingredients. Three percent of these would definitely
buy biotech products. However, the large majority of respondents refuse
to purchase biotech foods. In general, women were more skeptical about
biotechnology than men, and young people (up to 29 years old) were more
open to biotechnology than older people. Interviewees with above average
income showed more willingness to buy biotech products. A high number of
explicit \"non-buyers\" were university graduates. Regarding provinces,
Vienna was the most biotech-friendly area.

# Section V. Capacity Building and Outreach

## USDA-funded Capacity Building or Outreach Activities

FAS Attendance to biotech conferences in Austria

-2006 The Role of Precaution in GMO Policy Conference, Vienna

-2006 GMO Co-Existence Conference, Vienna

-2005 GMO Co-existence Symposium in Austria

U.S. Speakers on biotechnology at various Austrian Universities and
institutions.

-2005 FAS presentation including biotechnology at Vienna Agricultural
University

-2004 FAS presentation including biotechnology at Vienna Agricultural
University

-2003 FAS presentation including biotechnology at Vienna Agricultural
University

-2003 U.S. biotech expert to Austria -- 1 month (several presentations
and meetings)

Press conferences held by.

-2004 Press Conference on biotechnology by U.S. Grains Council and
National Corn Grower Association EU Biotechnology Fact Finding Mission
in Vienna

-2003 Press conference on biotech products and organics Agricultural
Counselor and Attache on biotechnology

Austrian government officials and opinion leaders attended biotech
programs of the International Visitor Program and the Voluntary Visitor
Program of State Department.

\- 2004 3 participants to Voluntary Visitor Program (biotechnology as a
tool against western corn root worm)

\- 2004 1 participant to biotech program of International Visitor
Program

## Needs or Strategies

# Section VI. Reference Material

Gain AU6014 The Role of Precaution in GMO Policy Conference, Vienna

Gain AU6012 Austrian Government Bans GT73 Oilseed Rape

Gain AU6011 GMO Co-Existence Conference, Vienna

Gain AU5029 Austria to Lead GMO Debate

Gain AU5022 European Court of Justice Rules Against Upper Austria\'s
GMO-free Zones

Gain AU5019 Survey Shows Only 11% of Consumers Willing to Buy Biotech
Foods

Gain AU5012 Biotechnology, Annual

Gain AU5004 Organic Farmers\' Association Starts New Anti-Biotech
Campaign

Gain AU4032 Austria Liberalizes Biotech Law, but Barriers for Biotech
Crops Remain

Gain AU4017 Implementation of EU Traceability and Labeling Regulations

Gain AU4014 Local GMO-Free Bills Move Closer to Becoming Law

Gain AU4009 Consumer Attitudes on Biotechnology

Gain AU4006 Major Food Retailers Say "NO" to Biotech Foods

Gain AU4003 The Consumer is always right!

Gain AU4002 Austrian Observations on Biotechnology in Food and
Agriculture

# Appendix A. Table of Approved Biotechnology Products

None.