The trade negotiations could be the catalyst for a dialogue involving consumer and environmental groups. GMOs are novel organisms with characteristics unavailable before recent advances in genetic engineering. Large areas of Bt cotton and potatoes, and RR canola are also grown. Although GMOs in agriculture have been available only for a few years, commercial use has expanded rapidly.
Farmers use a new technology when it increases profits.
RR soybeans reduce herbicide and management costs for farmers with weed problems. A worldwide debate over GMOs has broken out, led by European consumer and environmental groups who oppose the use of GMOs. However, critics argue that the review processes were not stringent enough. The EU has delayed approval of new GMOs, banned imports of GMOs not approved in the EU and required labeling of foods containing genetically-modified ingredients. Japan, Australia and other countries have implemented some restrictions as well.