Bob said: >  If all, or most, off shore honey was banned, honey would not be available in Ireland and other EU countries except at very high prices.  Local beekeepers would likely be pleased with the increased prices for their 'rare products' but they don't, now, seem to be able to supply the demand<

Bob is distorting the discussion.  There is no suggestion of banning imports that I have read. Only of adopting voluntary labelling of ingredients. Consumers can then choose.  If they prefer to pay more for labelled honey that makes clear no GMO, that is their free choice.  

Bob also seems to expect EU beekeepers to raise prices if demand for locally produced  honey increasede  A lot of EU honey is sold  by members of beekeepng associaions which are >not for profit< and have ethical standards that would exclude ripping off consumers . 

EU consumers should be encouraged to read the report on the Codex decision at >The WTO loophole have been closed by this resolution of the CODEX
http://www.iatp.org/blog/201107/the-gmo-labeling-fight-at-the-codex-alimentarius-commission-how-big-a-victory-for-consum posted by  Juanse.  it makes clear that US exporters will be free to NOT label ingedients in honey just in their own commercial interests,  ie to make money by not revealing what the consumer is buying. Europeans will then appreciate that they can voluntarily avoid buying foreign imports that do not match the standards of disclosure adopted within their own countries. 


Robin 

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