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Austria: precautionary blockage of agricultural biotechnology

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  • HelgeFranz Torgersen,
  • Franz Seifert

Abstract

Austria has interpreted the precautionary principle and Directive 90/220 in a more stringent way than other EU member states. It continues to ban the import of Bt maize despite the Commission’s recurrent warnings. The Austrian standard of GMO risk assessment emphasizes a broad definition of adverse effects beyond a purely technical account of risk, including effects of agricultural practices. Boundaries between plant, seed, food, and feed assessments tend to blur. It asks implicitly for the demonstration of safety and uses organic farming as a normative reference point. The understanding of precaution goes beyond the Danish approach in extensively interpreting the scope of Directive 90/220. This policy originated from the Environment Agency (UBA) and developed out of the division of labour among government agencies. It is in line with the inherent paternalism of Austrian governance as well as with Austrian public sensitivities concerning organic agriculture and food. When public opinion turned hostile to agricultural biotechnology, the Austrian standard became entrenched and led to Austria’s initially lone stance among EU member states.

Suggested Citation

  • HelgeFranz Torgersen, & Franz Seifert, 2000. "Austria: precautionary blockage of agricultural biotechnology," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 3(3), pages 209-217, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:jriskr:v:3:y:2000:i:3:p:209-217
    DOI: 10.1080/13669870050043071
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    Cited by:

    1. Millstone, Erik, 2009. "Science, risk and governance: Radical rhetorics and the realities of reform in food safety governance," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 624-636, May.
    2. Helge Torgersen & Jürgen Hampel, 2001. "The Gate-Resonance Model - The interface of policy, media and the public in technology conflicts," ITA manu:scripts 01_03, Institute of Technology Assessment (ITA).
    3. Daniela Winkler, 2013. "Two paths of risk regulation: the concurrence of scientific and sociocultural decision-making in the European law of agricultural genetic engineering," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(7), pages 803-823, August.

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