Abstract Detail

Transgenic crops: Science, policy, politics

Rodemeyer, Michael [1].

Policy Implications of Transgenic Crop Gene Flow.

Gene flow from transgenic plants has raised a number of environmental, economic and market issues that are generating political attention. Within Mexico, possible gene flow from illegally-planted GM corn has raised concerns about impacts on the genetic diversity of native maize varieties in a center of biological origin. Within the U.S., in the wake of the StarLink episode, gene drift from transgenic crops has raised concerns from organic growers, as well as from conventional farmers and grain processors who need to separate non-GM crops for export markets where GM varieties are not accepted. More recently, food manufacturers have raised concerns about potential gene flow to food crops from field trials of transgenic crops modified to produce phamaceuticals. All of these issues are generating questions about the adequacy of the regulatory system and the potential economic liability associated with undesirable gene flow, as well as greater interest in gene flow management. The presentation will explore these and other policy implications of transgenic gene flow management.

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Keywords: gene flow management, transgenic crop, StarLink.
Abstract ID:69

Presentation Type: Symposium
Session: 8-7
Location: MCC, 204A
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2003
Time: 4:00 PM