Turkey’s MOA Appeals Court Decision, Biotech Ban Resumes
TURKEY - Several weeks ago, the US Grains Council reported Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and Rural Affairs released a directive, ordered by the Turkish Danistay Court, to repeal the 26 October 2009, regulation that restricted market access of products containing biotechnology derived content.
7 January 2010
1 minute read
The Council received word today that the MOA appealed the Court’s decision and overturned the regulation.
Thus, the 26 October ban is again in effect. According to USGC Regional Director in the Middle East and Subcontinent Joe O’Brien re-implementation has been delayed thus far as products containing biotech are reportedly still entering the country.
“We think that the delay is due to industry pressure to allow commodities to enter Turkey that are in the port. However, it is believed that implementation of the ban will begin shortly after most pending shipments are cleared,” said O’Brien.
"Developments of the new Biosafety Law will likely be discussed in Parliament in March or April of this year, according to Rebecca Fecitt, USGC Director of Biotechnology Programs.
“It is possible that if this law passed, it may provide a legal basis for the ban to exist.
"The Council is working with local industry on this important issue and will continue to keep members informed.”
TheCattleSite News Desk
