A Critique of Biosafety Governance in Genetically Modified Crops

Abstract

The benefits of the technology and the assurances to contain the biosafety risks evolved by the international protocols favoured the release of Genetically Modified crops (GM) crops in the environment. The biosafety proposals established in the international forum is a managed norm after negotiations where the perception of benefits outweigh the risks it could pose to environment and human health. The differing perception of nations over the risks of GM crops and their acceptance to a global norm after protracted negotiations not only signifies the hierarchical power relations exist among nations but also the differing research capabilities of nations, their governance structure, and their socio-economic conditions to manage the risks. The perceived risks and benefits of GM crops is still a contested debate where the relations of technology with politics, policy and economy have come nearer and entangled.