Socio-Economic Considerations for Decision-Making on GM Tree Cultivation

Abstract

In the European Union (EU) genetically modified (GM) trees—like all genetically modified organisms (GMO)—are regulated based on the process and product, not on the phenotype alone. The regulatory system includes a risk assessment which is science-based and concentrates on the assessment of risks rather than benefits. Lately consideration of socio-economic (SE) assessments are planned to get a more prominent role in EU decision-making. Several institutions of the EU and the Member States (MSs) are attempting to clarify the role of SE considerations in decision-making on GM plant cultivation. The SE assessment will typically be a multidisciplinary and iterative process to address all relevant costs and benefits with as little bias as possible. There is a high likelihood that there will be divergent views the methods for SE and evaluating costs versus benefits. This could lead to further delays on decisions on GM plant authorisations.