Late in July, high-level Clinton administration officials met with representatives of an array of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)—some highly critical of biotechnology, others staunchly in its favor—to consider once again whether foods derived from genetically modified (GM) crops should be labeled. Officials are playing their own views close to the vest, and both biotech sympathizers and critics interpret this posture to suggest that a subtle shift in policy is afoot. They also agree that concerns over trade, social dynamics, and politics seem to be the driving forces behind this apparent shift. Indeed, the Clinton administration announced in August it might set aside a day for NGO representatives to have their say about issues surrounding GM organisms and labels before the World Trade Organization (WTO; Geneva, Switzerland) meets in Seattle later this year.
The July conclave had been billed, at least in part, as an opportunity for NGO members to learn what position federal officials are considering as they prepare for forthcoming WTO negotiations. However, little dialogue took place between administration officials and NGOs, there was more debate among various NGO factions, and administration officials said little to disclose their own position(s).
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