The regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continues to generate controversy. On the one hand, they are actively promoted by the biotechnology industry as vital to ensuring food security. Yet, on the other hand, consumer resistance persists, not least in the European Union, and such lack of confidence extends not just to GM food itself but also to the regulatory regime, where legal issues are inextricably linked with economics and politics.
This edited collection provides a novel contribution to the ongoing debate, recognizing that the legislative environment is complicated by forces as varied as national public opinion and world trade commitments.
The book is divided into four parts. The first of these addresses the influence in this context of both civil society and economic imperatives. The second part is directed more specifically to the measures that have been implemented in the European Union, considering multi-level governance, wider aspects of food law, co-existence with conventional and organic crops, and environmental liability. The third part is comparative in focus, with chapters covering the diverse regimes implemented in Africa, Australia, North America and South America. The book concludes with chapters on world trade and international considerations, including analysis of the Biotech case.

Since their introduction in 1984, milk quotas have become a prominent feature of the Common Agricultural Policy. The vigorous and yet at times questionable trade in milk quotas is a strong indication that its legal ramifications are underestimated at their peril. Indeed practitioners in this area cannot afford to ignore the astonishingly large number and high value of dealings in quota. Academics as well are no longer in doubt as to the importance of quota legislation and its ramifications. Milk quotas constitute a major and novel extension of Community power in the agricultural sector and represent a potent force in the development of Community law. Indeed, the Common Agricultural Policy gives rise to the single largest body of cases before the European Court of Justice with milk quotas taking a leading role. This indispensable and up-to-date practitioner's manual explores the influence that milk quotas have had on both EC and UK legislation. The author examines exactly how these quotas operate in relation to landlords, tenants, taxation and, consequently, rural culture itself. He goes on to consistently link the domestic effects of milk quota legislation to the European Court of Justice and identifies ways in which milk quota regulation is influencing other areas of EC law.

In order to meet the increasing economic and environmental challenges faced by the European farming industry, the EU has advocated a new 'European Model of Agriculture' which will provide a competitive and diverse agricultural sector that is environmentally responsible, and addresses issues of food quality and animal welfare.

Implementing such a range of policies requires the EU to pass a large amount of legislation. This book sets out to analyse whether the legislative framework for this model can deliver these policy objectives.