Stalking Genetically Modified Corn

Last Friday, the European Union banned the import of US corn feed, heightening the drama in an already strained relationship. Persistent lobbying by American officials could not overcome the pervasive skepticism in Europe over the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods, especially those that carry the Bt10 gene. The import ban is expected to cost US$350 million in lost sales, not to mention the enormous damage to the reputation of GM corn. The embargo adds a new entry to the list of trade issues on which the US and EU cannot see eye-to-eye, including Europe's subsidies of aircraft manufacturer Airbus and weapons sales to China. "The situation is markedly tense," said one government official. "Everyone is waiting for what stage of escalation is going to come next." – YaleGlobal