US embassy cable - 05SANTODOMINGO564

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000564 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
FOR STATE/OES/ETC H. LEE 
STATE/EB/TPP/ABT/R. SINGH 
USDA/FAS/BIG JPPASSINO 
WHA/CAR KJMCISAAC 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SENV, EAGR, EAID, TBIO, DR 
SUBJECT: CORRECTED COPY: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: CARTAGENA 
PROTOCOL RESPONSE 
 
REF: A. REF A: SECSTATE 259661 
 
     B. REF B: SANTO DOMINGO 6842 
     C. REF C: SANTO DOMINGO 6888 
 
1.  (U) This is a response to a Reftel action request. 
 
2.  (U) The Government of Dominican Republic has no specific 
legislation or laws dealing with genetically modified 
organisms.  The Dominican Republic is a large consumer of 
U.S. genetically modified agricultural products used mainly 
as feed for swine and poultry products.  Last year, Dominican 
livestock producers imported 1.3 million metric tons of U.S. 
feed, much of it containing genetically modified corn and 
soybean meal. 
 
3.  (U) With passions running high over CAFTA-DR and the 25% 
tax on high frutose corn syrup (HFCS), local newspapers 
printed several op-eds supporting a closer look at 
genetically modified products, specifically genetically 
modified corn.  These op-eds echoed many European opinions 
concerning genetically modified products.  One op-ed from El 
Caribe Newspaper on June 3, 2004 that typifies similar pieces 
on the subject, presented the argument that genetically 
modified organisms threaten biodiversity, ultimately create 
insecticide resistant bugs and lead to conglomerates 
controlling the food supply through commercial patents on the 
new plants. Despite Dominican criticisms of genetically 
modified organisms, Dominican society generally accepts 
genetically modified organisms in their food supply and the 
"frankenfood" scare has not taken root. 
 
4. (SBU) Comment. Now that the 25% tax on HFCS has been 
eliminated (Ref B), the Dominican Government is expected to 
begin the CAFTA-DR ratification process.  Opponents of 
ratification will likely continue to use genetically modified 
organisms as a wedge issue in order to prevent passage of the 
CAFTA-DR trade agreement though it is doubtful that in the 
near future any new legislation will be introduced limiting 
market access to genetically modified organisms.  End Comment. 
 
5. (U) Drafted by Mark Kendrick 
 
6. (U) This report and others can be read on the SIPRNET at 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/santodomingo/ index.cfm along 
with extensive other current material. 
HERTELL