Commercialization Of Crops Research Articles

The human health benefits from GM crops.

The human health benefits from GM crops.

Production, commercialization, and intellectual property of transgenic crops in Latin America

PurposeTransgenic crops have been increasingly adopted, produced and commercialized throughout the world. Correspondingly, the management of intellectual property rights concerning transgenic crops has gained importance. In this context, it is necessary to understand the status quo of transgenic crop production, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to provide a general scenario of transgenic crops and their growth around the world, especially in Latin America.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was carried out to determine the status of intellectual property protection, production and commercialization of transgenic crops.FindingsOpinions concerning the risks and benefits of adopting transgenics are markedly divided. Its presence in the agricultural sector has undoubtedly taken a firm hold in different parts of the world. Nevertheless, there are some areas of the international transgenics industry that need further and ongoing discussion and assessment, such as biosafety, intellectual property, regulation and legislation, among others. Additionally, in developing countries, and especially in the case of Latin America, other relevant issues to be addressed are associated with the conservation of local plant varieties and the preservation of cultural values, as well as the development of endogenous technology to solve local problems and the integration of farmers and the society at large and their interests into the discussion.Research limitations/implicationsThe most significant limitation of the present study was the lack of available data. Future studies using larger data sets will allow for more robust statistical analyses. Additionally, country-specific studies focused on the most important crops, those that each country grows intensively, are necessary for a better insight into the global dynamics of the sector; these studies must stress the intellectual property mechanisms used and address biosafety and regulatory issues, among other areas.Originality/valueThe present study represents a starting point for establishing schemes to facilitate the proper development and management of transgenic technology based on regional interests and the guiding principles of ethics and biosecurity.

Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops Can Ensure Food Security in India

Transgenic technology has resulted in the development of various genetically modified (GM) plants for the improvement in several agronomic traits. Some of the very famous examples of genetically modified plants or transgenic plants are Bt transgenics like Bt cotton and Bt brinjal for insect and pest tolerance, Flavr Savr tomatoes for delayed ripening, golden rice for enhanced vitamin A content. The possibilities of genetically modified crops are immense. Global human population is increasing tremendously and cultivable land is diminishing. Transgenic technology has the potential to achieve a balance between these two. Adoption of GM crops can play an important role in increasing agricultural productivity and ensure India’s food security. Field trials of GM crops across the world showed that it boosted crop yields by 22% and reduced chemical pesticides by 37%. Recently, eminent agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan has made a strong case in favour of smooth approval process towards field trials of genetically modified crops in India. However, a certain section of critics and activists do not support this technology. They are against the commercialization of GM crops. Their concerns are regarding the biosafety, social, economic and ethical acceptability of GM plants. These concerns require massive public awareness by the scientific community regarding the real facts of these genetically modified plants. GM plants have tremendous potential in solving the present problems. To ensure food security, governments need to ensure an enabling environment for genetically modified technology research and adoption.

Consumer attitudes toward food crops developed by CRISPR/Cas9 in Costa Rica

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has been used to confer crop resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and to improve crop yields and nutritional quality. However, lack of consumer acceptance could potentially restrict the development and further commercialization of CRISPR crops. Therefore, a survey among 1018 adults in Costa Rica was conducted to analyze perceptions and attitudes toward the production and potential consumption of CRISPR/Cas9 crops. Regarding knowledge of gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9, 3.7% of the interviewees had heard or read a little (1.9%), some (1.2%), or a lot (0.6%) about the topic. In general, a high percentage of Costa Rican consumers would accept the use of gene editing for nature conservation (84.5%), curing diseases in animals (83.0%), crop improvement (80.9%) and curing human diseases (80.2%). Regarding potential benefits, interviewees agreed that CRISPR foods would increase crop production in the country (66.0%), improve the economy (63.7%), and bring benefits to their families (60.7%) and the environment (57.4%). Nearly half of the interviewees perceived low or no risk to the quality of life, health, and environment. A higher percentage would consume CRISPR foods if the nutritional quality were better (70.8%), if they were cheaper than conventional products (61.0%), and if they were available in the national market (59.4%). Finally, approximately half of the interviewees would be willing to purchase a kilo of rice or beans (traditional Costa Rican food products) if they were priced the same as conventional products. Our survey among Costa Rica adults showed a little knowledge about gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9. Nevertheless, a high percentage of consumers would accept the use of gene editing for different purposes, and agree that CRISPR foods could bring potential benefits for crop production the economy, and the environment.

Species diversity of Colletotrichum infecting Annona spp. in Brazil

Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum species is a limiting factor in the production and commercialization of annonaceous crops in different regions of the world. In this study, 96 Colletotrichum isolates were collected from soursop and sugar apple leaves showing anthracnose symptoms in commercial plantations of the state of Alagoas, northeastern region of Brazil. To assess initially the species diversity, the isolates were identified by phylogeny based on the sequences of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene. Representative strains were selected for further identification based on multigene phylogeny analysis using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), actin (ACT), chitin synthase (CHS-1), β-tubulin (TUB2), calmodulin (CAL), histone3 (HIS3), glutamine synthetase (GS) and (GAPDH) genes. Morpho-cultural characterization and pathogenicity tests were also performed. These analyses allowed the identification of nine species: Colletotrichum brevisporum, C. cliviae, C. fructicola, C. gigasporum, C. gloeosporioides, C. karstii, C. siamense, C. theobromicola and C. tropicale. Until now, only C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides and C. theobromicola had been associated with anthracnose of soursop and sugar apple in Brazil. C. brevisporum, C. cliviae and C. gigasporum species are also described for the first time on annonaceous species worldwide.

Artificial diet based investigation on the impact of purified Cry1Ac, Cry1Fa and Cry2Ab on the survival and reproductive performance of adult green lacewing, Chrysopa pallens (Rambur) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

The green lacewing Chrysopa pallens (Rambur) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is a common and abundant predator in many cropping systems in palearctic realm and it’s conservation is helpful in sustainable pest management in agro-ecosystem. Prior to commercialization of Bt crops in any agro- ecosystem, it is necessary to evaluate the impact of Cry proteins upon non-target organisms especially biological control agents (BCA). In present study an artificial diet consisting of shrimp, beef, beef liver and egg yolk was developed to mass-rear C. pallens for its use as biological control agents in sustainable pest management. Moreover, an artificial diet based risk assessment protocol was developed to investigate the impact of Cry1Ac, Cry1Fa and Cry2Ab on the survival and reproductive performance of C. pallens adults. C. pallens was fed on diets incorporated with Cry proteins and without addition of Cry proteins (control). The same diet containing boric acid was served as a positive control. Temporal stability, bioactivity and intake of Cry proteins by C. pallens were confirmed using double-antibody sandwich, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and bioactivity verification bioassays. Survival and reproductive performance of C. pallens, e.g., pre-oviposition period, daily fecundity, total fecundity and 30-day old adults dry weights, exhibited non-significant differences (p > 0.05) for the diets containing Cry1Ac, Cry1Fa and Cry2Ab (50 μg/g) against Control. However, significant reduction in survival and reproductive performance (p < 0.05) was observed in positive control. Our findings reveal that artificial diet is a good source of nutritional requirement with enhanced survival and reproductive performance of C. pallens and can be used for mass rearing of predator in case of natural diet scarcity and Cry proteins are safe for adult C. pallens and Bt crops cultivation help in predators conservation in sustainable agriculture.

The cuticle as a key factor in the quality of horticultural crops

Abstract In recent years, there has been a major increase in the commercialization of horticultural crops in response to population increase. However, several important factors associated with pre- and post-harvest conditions, including drought stress, pathogen infection, water loss and climate change are limiting the commercialization potential of many horticultural crops, thereby compromising agricultural sustainability. The cuticle, which is composed of cutin and waxes, provides a critical structural barrier between a plant parts and its environment. Cuticle biosynthesis is influenced by many factors during plant development and contributes to the pre- and post-harvest quality of many horticultural crops. However, many aspects of the structure-function relationships of many aspects of the plant cuticle are not well understood. Studies focusing on cuticles are increasingly important due to the major challenges of crop production, such as diseases and abiotic stresses. In this review, we focus on the cuticle as a key factor in the quality of horticultural crops and provide an overview of the recent research and conclusions in the field.

A Comparative Study of the Consumers Rights of GM Crops in Iran and European Union

Background and Aim : Consumer rights protection against industrial goods is important, so that in modern law is considered a heavy burden for producers. However, the legislature defined the first time the term of in 1382 and then in 1388 Hijri. With the first generation of GM crops in the decade of 1380, the need for further legislation was needed in this field and so, the legislator has formulated a at the end of this decade. Materials and Methods : This article mentions comparative bio-safety law with EU regulations Europe, to reflect shortcomings and gaps in biosafety law on the rights of consumers of GM crops. Findings : Although the has been written on the model of rules the day, but there are shortages in it, compared with the laws and regulations of European Union. Therefore, since the last two decades of this law, and rapid developments biotech field, in particular, further production and commercialization of GM crops, it is necessary to redouble its reform. Conclusion: Unlike European Union (EU) regulations, Iran Biosafety Act does not define defective GM crops, and it does not clarify the compensation system and how compensation is provided, and therefore consumer rights couldnot be properly protected. Please cite this article as: Pouresmaeili A, Vaezi Kakhki MR, Bameri E. A Comparative Study of the Consumers Rights of GM Crops in Iran and European Union. Bioethics Journal 2017; 7(24): 99-114.

Linking smallholder farmers to markets on extensive and intensive margins: Evidence from Nicaragua☆

Access to modern commercialization channels is key for smallholder farmers to move away from subsistence farming and overcome poverty. However, achieving that goal is challenging for smallholders given their lack of appropriate managerial practices, production technology and infrastructure. This paper examines the association between receiving trainings in two distinct entrepreneurial practices, one direct at the individual and farmer-association level and another indirect at the community level, and commercialization in non-local markets at the extensive and intensive margins. We exploit a panel dataset of bean producers in Nicaragua that participated in an NGO program implemented between 2007 and 2012. We find opposite results for the two market-linkage activities, especially on the intensive margin or volume of sales. While reciving direct training on entrepreneurial practices (EP) is positively associated with commercialization, training on municipality engagement (ME) activities is negatively associated. These correlation patterns are mainly observed among entrant farmers as opposed to those already participating in commercial markets prior to the program implementation. We also find varying results for ME activities by plot size and leadership position. Additional estimations show that training activities that are positively correlated with bean commercialization are not necessarily correlated with the commercialization of other crops, and vice versa.

Economic impacts of commercializing insect-resistant GM maize in China

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the potential economic impacts of China’s insect-resistant GM maize and provide new evidence for decision making concerning its commercialization.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses data drawn from the production trials of insect-resistant GM maize and expert interviews to determine the impacts of commercializing GM maize at farm level under three scenarios with varying severity of insect pest attacks in maize production. Economic impacts are simulated using a modified Global Trade Analysis Project model.FindingsIn farm terms, insect-resistant GM maize increases crop yield and reduces both pesticide and labor inputs. In national terms, China can increase its GDP by USD8.6 billion and maize self-sufficiency by about 2 percent given normal insect pest attacks if China commercializes GM maize. Additional beneficiaries include consumers and the livestock industry. Non-maize crops can also benefit from land saving through GM maize commercialization. Chemical is a sector with the decrease in its output because demand for pesticides will fall.Originality/valueAlthough China has announced a roadmap for commercializing GM crops for use as feed and in processing after nearly two decades of producing GM cotton, no clear timetable for producing GM maize as feed has been established due to several concerns, including the potential for economic gains from GM maize. This study is the first to assess the economic impacts of commercializing China’s GM maize. The findings should have significant policy implications for the development and commercialization of GM crops in general and GM maize in particular.

Interaction of 2,4-D or Dicamba with Glufosinate for Control of Glyphosate-Resistant Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) in Glufosinate-Resistant Maize (Zea mays L.).

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) giant ragweed is a problematic broadleaf weed in crops including maize and soybean in the Midwestern United States. Commercialization of crops with 2,4-D or dicamba and glufosinate resistance will allow post-emergence (POST) applications of these herbicides. Therefore, information is needed on how 2,4-D/dicamba will interact with glufosinate in various rate combinations. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the interaction of glufosinate plus 2,4-D and/or dicamba for control of GR giant ragweed, and to determine their effect on GR giant ragweed density, biomass, maize injury, and yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 in a field infested with GR giant ragweed in Nebraska, United States. The treatments included POST applications of glufosinate (450 or 590 g ai ha-1), 2,4-D, or dicamba at 280 or 560 g ae ha-1 applied alone and in tank-mixtures in glufosinate-resistant maize. The results showed that dicamba applied alone resulted in 56 to 62% and 73 to 83% control at 14 and 28 days after treatment (DAT), respectively, and ≥95% control at 60 DAT or at harvest compared to 17 to 30% and 57 to 73% control with 2,4-D applied alone at 280 and 560 g ai ha-1, respectively. Glufosinate tank-mixed with 2,4-D and/or dicamba consistently provided ≥89% control of GR giant ragweed, except that control with glufosinate plus 2,4-D varied from 80 to 92% at 60 DAT and at harvest. The comparison between the observed and expected control (determined by Colby’s equation) suggested an additive interaction between glufosinate and 2,4-D or dicamba for control of GR giant ragweed. Contrast analysis also indicated that GR giant ragweed control with glufosinate plus 2,4-D or dicamba was either consistently higher or comparable with individual herbicides excluding 2,4-D applied alone. Herbicide programs, excluding 2,4-D at 280 g ae ha-1, resulted in ≥80% reduction in GR giant ragweed density. Tank-mixing glufosinate with 2,4-D or dicamba showed an additive effect and will be an additional tool with two effective modes of action for the management of GR giant ragweed in maize.

Under-utilized subtropical fruits for enhancing profitability and nutritional security of smallholders

Under-utilized subtropical fruits because of their hardy nature of tree, high production potential in degraded lands and high nutritional value have immense potential of commercialization in rural India in the years to come. During last five decades, most of the horticultural development efforts were confined to the improvement and commercialization of major fruit crops like mango, banana, apple, guava, citrus, papaya, litchi, grapes, etc. Work done on under-utilized subtropical fruits in the country especially during last one decade has opened up new vistas of horticultural growth in general and arid and semi-arid regions in particular for enhancing small farmers’ profitability and also the nutritional security. The crops like aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn), bael (Aegle marmelos Correa), jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels), custard apple (Annona squamosa L.), khirni (Manilkara hexandra (Roxb) Dubard), carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.), mulberry (Morus spp), barhal (Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb), karonda (Carissa carandas L), tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.), chironji (Buchanania lanzan Spreng) and wood apple (Limonia acidissima L.) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) have a lot of diversity in hot spot areas and offer immense potential of identifying superior genotypes for commercialization. The present paper deals with the prospects of utilization of these crops for enhancing profitability of small holders and the latest efforts made in development of superior genotypes in the country. Aonla cultivars like Kanchan, Krishna, NA-7, NA-10, Lakshmi-52, Goma Aishwarya have gained popularity while CISH B-1, CISHB-2, Pant Aparna, Pant Sujata, Pant Shivani, Pant Urvashi, NB-5, NB-7, NB-9, NB-16, NB-17, Goma Yashi, Thar Divya and Thar Neelkanth of bael have spread in many new areas and contributed to enhanced profitability. Paras, Konkan Bahdoli, Thar Kranti, Goma Priyanka, CISHJ-37 and CISHJ-42(seedless) have been developed in jamun for commercialization. Arka Sahan and Balanagar custard apples are being adopted in various degraded areas. Thar Priya and Thar Rituraj identified in chironji and khirni, respectively have become a new hope for plateau of central and western India. Pant Manohar, Pant Sudarshan, Pant Suvarna, Maroon coloured, White Pink Blush and Thar Kamal in karonda and Konkan Prolific, Singapore/Ceylon Jack, Hybrid Jack, Burliar-1, PLR-1 (Palur-1), PPI-1 (Pechiparai-1) in jackfruit are some of the promising cultivars developed for commercialization. The crops like mulberry, barhal, wood apple, khirni, chironji and carambola have exhibited tremendous variability in fruit traits for selection and commercialization of new cultivars. The expected economic returns from the crops like custard apple, bael, jamun, chironji, khirni, carambola, etc are very high when marketed properly.

Host-Derived Artificial MicroRNA as an Alternative Method to Improve Soybean Resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematode.

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, is one of the most important pests limiting soybean production worldwide. Novel approaches to managing this pest have focused on gene silencing of target nematode sequences using RNA interference (RNAi). With the discovery of endogenous microRNAs as a mode of gene regulation in plants, artificial microRNA (amiRNA) methods have become an alternative method for gene silencing, with the advantage that they can lead to more specific silencing of target genes than traditional RNAi vectors. To explore the application of amiRNAs for improving soybean resistance to SCN, three nematode genes (designated as J15, J20, and J23) were targeted using amiRNA vectors. The transgenic soybean hairy roots, transformed independently with these three amiRNA vectors, showed significant reductions in SCN population densities in bioassays. Expression of the targeted genes within SCN eggs were downregulated in populations feeding on transgenic hairy roots. Our results provide evidence that host-derived amiRNA methods have great potential to improve soybean resistance to SCN. This approach should also limit undesirable phenotypes associated with off-target effects, which is an important consideration for commercialization of transgenic crops.

The dynamics of smallholders’ participation in the commercialization of high-value horticultural crops: a case of vegetable producers in Kenya

The high-value horticultural markets in Kenya were for a long time one of the best examples of how smallholders are able to participate in globalized food-market systems. However, participation of smallholders in these markets seems to have been declining over the recent past. This study exploits panel data of households from selected vegetable-producing regions in Kenya, in order to examine the dynamics of smallholders' participation in the commercialization of high-value vegetable crops. Results show that the number of smallholders participating in commercialization of vegetables is indeed declining. Key constraints are related to high costs of production, low and fluctuating market prices, stringent market regulations and insufficient water for irrigation. Farmers exiting from vegetable markets have significantly older household heads and they own less agricultural assets and livestock than farmers who continue to engage in the commercial production of vegetables. Policy interventions should focus on promoting the development of marketing infrastructure and institutional support for smallholders to be able to commercialize through export and domestic market channels.

Development of an intragenic gene transfer and selection protocol for sugarcane resulting in resistance to acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicide

Sugarcane is a prime crop for commercial production of bioethanol and table sugar. Genetic engineering is complementing traditional breeding in sugarcane improvement. Costs and delays associated with regulatory approval for a transgenic event are substantial impediments to the commercialization of transgenic crops. Generation of intragenic sugarcane events carrying additional sequences from sexually compatible sorghum resembles traditional plant breeding and may facilitate regulatory approval. Acetolactate synthase (ALS), is a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of branched-chain amino acids, and also a target for ALS-inhibiting herbicides including sulfonylureas and imidazolinones. In this study, we developed an intragenic minimal expression cassette encoding a mutant sorghum acetolactate synthase gene (mALS) under transcriptional control of the sorghum ubiquitin promoter and sorghum HSP 3′UTR. mALS was delivered into tissue cultures of sugarcane cultivar CP 88-1762 by biolistic gene transfer. A suitable selection protocol for recovery of intragenic events was developed for the herbicide bispyribac sodium. Intragenic sugarcane events were identified by PCR, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed events with different levels of mALS expression. Expression of the mALS gene in sugarcane resulted in chlorsulfuron resistance, as demonstrated by lower injury level and increased plant height following application of chlorsulfuron compared to the control cultivar. The results demonstrated that the mALS gene from sorghum supports the production of intragenic, herbicide resistant sugarcane. This is the first report of an intragenic selectable marker for sugarcane.

Current status and future prospects of research on genetically modified rice: A review

Genetically modified crops are the most auspicious development of scientists of today. Rice being the staple food crop globally, it is needed to give immense importance for its improvement. Development of rice varieties tolerant to pests and diseases will ensure safety to farmers against the harmful effects of chemicals used as insecticides and fungicides. Certain abiotic factors like drought, cold, heat, salinity, which hinders the growth of rice can be battled by developing GM rice carrying genes that impact tolerance to these factors. Moreover, increased production and utilization of golden rice would provide the required nutrients especially for the poor to meet their nutritional requirements. But commercialization of GM crops is still an issue as people are yet to accept them globally. Finally, the future prospect of GM rice will flourish unless it is met by some loop holes.

Transgenic glyphosate-resistant canola (Brassica napus) can persist outside agricultural fields in Australia

In the last two decades the cultivation of transgenic crops has steadily increased worldwide. In Western Australia transgenic glyphosate-resistant canola (GR) has been cultivated since 2009. This study was conducted to examine the potential for transgene persistence outside agricultural fields after commercialization of GR crops. Propagule pressure, population fluctuations and reproductive output of GR canola plants have been assessed in semi-natural (roadside) and natural environments over consecutive years. The estimation of demographic parameters (plant survival and fecundity) suggest that GR canola has low likelihood to become invasive, as plants are subjected to biological and abiotic stressors likely limiting the fitness. This was particularly evident in a natural environment in which a propagule of 300 GR canola plants accidentally introduced by a wind storm could persist for three years before extinction. Thus, in natural areas GR canola populations did not show a positive population turnover and declined overtime. Conversely, on roadsides the significant correlation (r=0.975) between mean plant fecundity (seed rain) and the soil seedbank density in the following year suggests that local recruitment contributed to canola persistence for at least three years. As, no individual GR plants were found with stacked genes for multiple herbicide resistance we suggest that GR volunteer canola plants can be controlled by simple mixture of herbicide modes of action different to glyphosate although an integrated management including mechanical control operations would be the optimal strategy.

Sustainable commercialization of new crops for the agricultural bioeconomy

Abstract Diversification of agroecological systems to enhance agrobiodiversity is likely to be critical to advancing environmental, economic, and social sustainability of agriculture. Temperate-zone agroecological systems that are currently organized for production of summer-annual crops can be diversified by integration of fallow-season and perennial crops. Integration of such crops can improve sustainability of these agroecological systems, with minimal interference with current agricultural production. Importantly, these crops can provide feedstocks for a wide range of new bio-products that are forming a new agricultural bioeconomy, potentially providing greatly increased economic incentives for diversification. However, while there are many fallow-season and perennial crops that might be used in such a “bioeconomic” strategy for diversification, most are not yet well adapted and highly-marketable. Efforts are underway to enhance adaptation and marketability of many such crops. Critically, these efforts require a strategic approach that addresses the inherent complexity of these projects. We outline a suitable approach, which we term “sustainable commercialization”: a coordinated innovation process that integrates a new crop into the agriculture of a region, while intentionally addressing economic, environmental and social sustainability challenges via multi-stakeholder governance. This approach centers on a concerted effort to coordinate and govern innovation in three critical areas: germplasm development, multifunctional agroecosystem design and management, and development of end uses, supply chains, and markets. To exemplify the approach, we describe an ongoing effort to commercialize a new fallow-season crop, field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.).

Women and men in tropical dry forests: a preliminary review

SUMMARY From a broad review of 670 publications on gender and forests, ∼130 were found to address the world's dry forests. These were examined with the intent to extract gendered social, cultural, political and economic patterns of relevance in such forests. Seven interrelated themes recurred in this literature: 1) population pressure, 2) migration, 3) intra-familial and inter-group conflict, 4) hierarchy and significant power differences, 5) strict gender differentiation, 6) commercialization of crops and NTFPs, and 7) fuelwood collection. Based upon these themes, the uniqueness of each situation and the importance of finetuning any approach to local realities to generate outcomes that can benefit women, we propose four promising ways to enhance the prospects for gender equity in dry forest areas: 1) a strengthening of groups and collective action, 2) explicit challenges to traditional gender norms, 3) a focus on products and spaces that interest women, and 4) addressing migration and population issues.

The Unintended Consequences of Technological Change: Winners and Losers from GM Technologies and the Policy Response in the Organic Food Market

It is often said that innovations create winners and losers. All innovations are somewhat disruptive, but some have more distributed effects. We have a sense of who the winners are and how much they gain. Yet, how much do losers actually lose? Organic farmers frequently like to publicly announce that they are the losers following the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops, yet consumers in search of non-GM products have helped increase demand for organic products, something that would not have occurred in the absence of GM crops. Are organic farmers really losers? This article lays out the argument that were it not for the commercialization of GM crop varieties in the mid-1990s, organic production and food sectors would not be at the level they enjoy today. That is, the commercialization of GM crops has made the organic industry better off than had GM crops not been commercialized. Theoretical modelling of the organic benefits is complemented by supportive market data. The article concludes that in spite of numerous vocal offerings about the adverse impacts suffered by the organic industry due to GM crop production, the organic industry has gained significantly from that which they vociferously criticize.