Challenges of Harmonization of Agricultural Biotechnology Regulatory Systems across APEC Economies

Abstract

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) consists of a mixed group of countries with a range of technical and technological capabilities vis a vis the regulation of Genetically Modified (GM) crops. Most have regulations or laws in place that enable the use of GM crops to some degree whether they cover only R&D activities or extend further to cover importation, field trials or release into the environment. Because experience with GM crops varies widely across the twenty-one economies, member countries are at different stages of development and implementation, have contrasting philosophies which are often reflected in national policies and have different regulatory capacities and resources. Such discord may be cause for concern particularly when many member countries face food security challenges. Delayed authorizations due to regulatory uncertainty and unpredictability can cause supply delivery problems, disrupt trade and create new market constraints that could increase the volatility of food prices. Unnecessary regulatory requirements can also result in additional costs making it difficult for any GM crop to make it market and into farmers’ hands. Although the road towards alignment and harmonization of biosafety regulations across APEC economies is likely to be long, the current realities of a more fragile global food system and climate change may hasten this process.