Abstract: . . .  SPEECH/01/389 Mr David BYRNE European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection "New Technologies in Agriculture " - Biotechnology Informal Agriculture Council Alden Biesen, 18 September 2001 Page 2 2 At the outset allow me thank the Presidency for organising this informal Council on the theme of new technologies in agriculture . We have just heard excellent presentations that provide a global perspective on the issues of biotechnology and biomass. They provide a tremendous stimulus to our discussion and consideration of these issues. There is no doubt about the enormous potential of biotechnology . For instance, we can now treat children suffering from retarded growth, without risking contaminating them with . . .
. . .  public. The proposals provide for a high level of protection for human health and the environment and will enable consumers to exercise their freedom of choice. However, it does not end here. I am still working on future proposals notably in the seeds sector to complete the regulatory picture. I see the proposals, which I have briefly presented to you today, as an integrated part of the strategic vision which I hope will contribute to a rational and balanced debate about the future of biotechnology in Europe and lead to increased public acceptance of the use of biotechnology . May I thank the Presidency again for their initiative in organising this informal Council around the theme of new technologies in agriculture . I regard this as an important input into the wider debate the Commission has initiated about the future potential of life sciences and biotechnology . Page 5 5 Annex Summary details of draft Regulations on GM Food/Feed and Traceability – European Commissioner David Byrne Authorisation Procedure In order to streamline and improve the efficiency of the current authorisation procedure for GM foods, we envisage that the European Food Authority will carry out the scientific risk assessment. The procedure will cover both the environmental, human and animal health aspects of GM food and feed. Companies wishing . . .
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