Commission reports on the economic impacts of GM crops on the agri-food sector
The Agriculture Directorate-General has published a synthesis of a working document on the economic impacts of genetically modified (GM) crops on the agri-food sector. The report analyses the extent of, and the main reasons for fast and uneven developments in GM crops in regions where genetically modified crops were first introduced in the mid-nineties. Special emphasis is given to underlying economic issues of direct interest to the agri-food sector. The Commission also conducted a literature review to help address the following questions: - How fast and to what extent have sowings of GM crops developed? Which crops are concerned? - Which economic reasons explain the rapid adoption of GM crops by farmers? - What are the consequences of citizen/consumer reactions and food suppliers' initiatives? The analysis follows the path of the food chain, from the supply side up to final demand. 'This approach takes into account the chronology of developments regarding agri-biotechnology, but it also allows for analysing driving forces and interactions between the main stakeholders all along the food chain,' explains the Commission.