Finland and Sweden apply EU legislation to the
regulation on agricultural biotechnology and have no
additional regulations in that area that affect trade.
According to both governments, all actions which inhibit
imports of gm (genetically modified) products are voluntary
initiatives taken by the industry in order to satisfy customers
demand.

All legislation on agricultural biotechnology in Finland
and Sweden is based on EU legislation. In Finland, the
responsible authority is the Ministry of Trade and Industry
(MTI). The Finnish National Food Agency is responsible for
enforcing regulations and directives. In Sweden, the
responsible authority for agricultural biotechnolgy is the
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. The Swedish
Board of Agriculture is responsible for enforcing
regulations on seed and feed. The National Food
Administration is responsible for enforcing regulations on
food.

Due to fear of negative consumer reactions, Finnish and
Swedish feed, seed and food companies are reluctant to
import gm products. Voluntary initiatives, such as
requirements of guaranteed gm free products, are taken by
the industries in both countries. These actions are not
regulated by national laws.

The general perception within the Finnish and Swedish
industries seems to be that gm products will eventually be
accepted by consumers. In order not to fall behind when
that day comes, the industries are conducting research on
biotech products.