• Biotechnology

Biotechnology

This paper explores the debates around Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and food security and the challenge for policymakers on how to respond to the uncertainty about the relative opportunities and threats posed by GM technologies. It reports that there is a dilemma on whether to adopt this new technology and face criticism for lack of precaution, or to require thorough study of potential risks and face criticism for failing to act promptly. This controversy emanates from a scientific dispute about how “stable” GM crops are.

The report identifies several concerns which are associated with GM technology as follows:

• GM technology could result in the contamination of crops through gene transfer – “genetic pollution” – and the development of “super weeds” and therefore have a negative impact on biodiversity
• transgenic crops modified to be resistant to a particular pest or disease may have a negative effect on non-target species that are harmless or beneficial
• pest resistance can occur with frequent use of any pest control product. Insects can develop resistance to toxins such as the Bt bacterium, reducing the effectiveness of this control method
• GM crops engineered to be resistant to specific herbicides enable farmers to spray weeds without damaging crops - weeds are developing resistance to these herbicides, and rogue GM plants that grow after a harvest (volunteers) have appeared and spread widely
• GMOs could impact on genetic diversity - the increased competitiveness of GMOs could cause it to damage biologically-rich ecosystems
• ecological and health hazards are also posed by genetic use restriction technologies (GURT) which are commonly known as terminator technology - these organisms do not flower and fruit and therefore provide no food for the multitude of insects, birds and mammals that feed on pollen, nectar, seed and fruit.

The paper concludes that inclusive policy processes, based on adequate information, are essential to developing appropriate national and regional responses to GM technology. The potential risks and opportunities posed by GM technologies are immense. Thus it is crucial for decision-makers, legislators, governments and civil society to have access to adequate supporting information on how to respond to opportunities and threats posed by GM technology. Given the complexity of the issues at stake from biosafety considerations, human health concerns and socioeconomic implications, it is essential that policy processes use a range of techniques that are able to support effective valuation in these areas.

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