REGULATING AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY - REFLEXIVE MODERNIZATION AND THE EUROPEAN-UNION

This article provides a case study of the controversy surrounding the regulation of agricultural biotechnology in the European Union. It int erprets the recent struggles surrounding attempts to license Bovine So matotropin (BST), a synthesised hormone which increases dairy producti on, in relation to the claims of contemporary social theorists relatin g to the concept of 'reflexive modernisation'. In this example of a la te modern policy debate, existing regulatory and political institution s have had limited success in resolving conflict. In a context charact erised by a general incapacity for institutional learning and developm ent, it is argued that the European Parliament has provided a signific ant focus for debate.