ABSTRACT
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been prevalent in the European Union (EU) for nearly two decades, mainly through import. In the context of agro-biotechnology, GMOs are designed, for example, to be more resistant to diseases, tastier or faster growing, in order to increase the economic value of agricultural products. The topic of GMOs in the EU has been an international issue from the outset. Decision-making on GMOs, both at the EU and the Member State level, has largely been about deciding on the acceptance of imported agricultural products – whether end products or seeds – or the wish of companies based outside the EU to grow GMOs in Europe.
