Regulating agricultural biotechnology: Reflexive modernisation and the European Union

This article provides a case study of the controversy surrounding the regulation of agricultural biotechnology in the European Union. It interprets the recent struggles surrounding attempts to license Bovine Somatotropin (BST), a synthesised hormone which increases dairy production, in relation to the claims of contemporary social theorists relating to the concept of 'reflexive modernisation'. In this example of a late modern policy debate, existing regulatory and political institutions have had limited success in resolving conflict. In a context characterised by a general incapacity for institutional learning and development, it is argued that the European Parliament has provided a significant focus for debate.