1,850,096 research outputs found
Precaution and Protectionism: 'Likeness' and GM Food at the WTO
Get PDFThe dispute between the US and EU over GM foods at the WTO is examined in terms of the issues it raises about protectionism, environmental protection and precaution. The issue of whether GM, GM Derived and Non-GM foods are equivalent to each other is examined using data from a national choice modelling study in the UK. These categories of food are critical since they underpin the EU's new food labelling regime which it hoped would defuse the WTO dispute. The results are analysed using a Bayesian mixed logit model which allows greater flexibility in the modelling of preference distributions than that allowed through classical estimation. The Bayesian approach allows the use of censored normal and Johnson's SB distributions which can accommodate a bounded distribution with a probability mass point at zero (i.e. indifference). This is particularly important where, as in the case of GM food, we may expect some to be indifferent to the food whilst others dislike it, some strongly so. The results indicate bi-modal distributions regarding GM foodtypes, with some indifferent or mildly averse to GM foodtypes and others are strongly averse. A strong finding of the analysis is that most people treat ingredients derived from GM crops (but free from altered DNA) as equivalent to GM ingredients. This supports a labelling regime based on process rather than simply product and suggests considerable consumer benefits from the EU's new GM labelling regime.GM food, mixed logit, WTP, Bayesian, WTO, International Relations/Trade, Q51, Q55, Q56, Q58,
Precaution and Protectionism: GM Food and the WTO
Get PDFThe dispute between the US and EU over GM foods at the WTO is examined in terms of the issues it raises about protectionism and environmental protection and precaution. The issue of whether GM, GM Derived and Non-GM foods are equivalent to each other is examined using data from a national choice modelling study in the UK. These categories of food are critical since they underpin the EU's new food labelling regime which it hoped would defuse the WTO dispute. The results are analysed using a Bayesian mixed logit model which allows greater flexibility in the modelling of preference distributions. This is particularly crucial where, as in this case, bi-modal distributions are identified with some indifferent or mildly averse to GM foodtypes while others are strongly averse. A strong finding of the analysis is that people treat ingredients derived from GM crops (but free from altered DNA) as equivalent to GM ingredients. This supports a labelling regime based on process rather than simply product and suggests considerable consumer benefits from the EU's new GM labelling regime.GM food, mixed logit, WTP, Bayesian, WTO, International Relations/Trade, C11, C24, C25, D12, Q18,
Antigen-specific influence of GM/KM allotypes on IgG isotypes and association of GM allotypes with susceptibility to <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>malaria
Get PDFAbstract Background Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a complex disease in which genetic and environmental factors influence susceptibility. IgG isotypes are in part genetically controlled, and GM/KM allotypes are believed to be involved in this control. Methods In this study, 216 individuals from Daraweesh, an area of seasonal malaria transmission in Sudan, were followed for nine years for malaria infection. Total IgG and IgG isotypes against four malaria antigens, MSP2-3D7, MSP2-FC27, AMA1, and Pf332-C231 were measured in plasma obtained from the cohort at the end of the study, during the dry malaria-free period. The GM/KM allotypes of the donors were determined. Results The GM 1,17 5,13,14,6 phenotype was associated with a higher incidence of malaria compared with the non-1,17 5,13,14,6 phenotypes (P = 0.037). Paradoxically, the carriers of the GM 1,17 5,13,14,6 phenotype had significantly higher baseline levels of total IgG and non-cytophilic IgG isotypes as compared to non-carriers. The KM allotypes influence on IgG isotypes level was limited. Finally, the differences in the baseline concentrations of total IgG and IgG isotypes between the different GK/KM phenotype carriers were antigen-dependent. Discussion The results show that GM but not KM allotypes appeared to influence host susceptibility to uncomplicated malaria as well as the antibody profile of the donors, and the carriers of the GM 1,17 5,13,14,6 phenotype were the most susceptible Conclusions The GM allotypes have significant influence on susceptibility to uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria and antigen-dependent influence on total IgG and IgG subclasses.</p
Economics of spatial coexistence of genetically modified and conventional crops: Oilseed rape in Central France
Get PDFEurope is currently struggling to implement coherent coexistence regulations on genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops in all EU Member States. We conduct simulations with the software ArcView® on a GIS dataset of a hypothetical case of GM herbicide tolerant oilseed rape cultivation in Central France. Our findings show that rigid coexistence rules, such as large distance requirements, may impose a severe burden on GM crop production in Europe. These rules are not proportional to the farmers’ basic incentives for coexistence and hence not consistent with the objectives of the European Commission. More alarming, we show that in densely planted areas a domino-effect may occur. This effect raises coexistence costs and even adds to the non-proportionality of rigid coexistence regulations. Instead, we show that flexible measures would be preferable since they are proportional to the incentives for coexistence and, hence, less counterproductive for European agriculture.regulation, GIS modelling, domino-effect, Crop Production/Industries,
The Coexistence of GM and non-GM Crops and the Role of Consumer Preferences
Get PDFCrop coexistence is now at the core of the debate on GM technology in Europe. New regulations are being designed in the E.U. in order to "correct" potential production externalities and ensure that conventional and organic production will remain a profitable alternative for farmers. We use a simple Mussa-Rosen type model of preferences to capture the effects of introducing a cost-saving GM crop on incumbent crops, taking explicitly into account consumers' distaste for GM food products. Using a two-technology model, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for coexistence and show that perfectly competitive farmers with rational expectations will adopt the socially efficient level of GM technology. We also solve a three-technology model to study the impacts of the availability of GM technology on conventional and organic production. We formally characterize the entire set of possible outcomes using only three parameters that reflect technologies' relative performance. We use our model to explore the effects of negative production externalities created by GM technology and of a change in consumers' tastes on coexistence.Consumer/Household Economics,
ISSUES IN DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) WHEATS
Get PDFDevelopment of genetically modified (GM) wheat varieties is proceeding; however, several critical issues remain the focus of contention. This project summarizes the current state of knowledge on some of these critical issues for commercialization of GM wheats. Background on the evolution of GM Wheats is presented. Then, agronomic adoption and competitiveness of GM crops; research on GM traits in wheat; consumer acceptance of GM crops (a separate section is included on issues related to consumer acceptance of GM crops); regulatory issues and status; international trade; testing, segregation, and identity preservation; and production and marketing risks are examined. Finally, there is a description of the likely marketing system to evolve and a discussion of outstanding issues.wheat, genetic modification, transgenic, marketing, Crop Production/Industries, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,
Emerging Markets for GM Foods: A Study of Consumer's Willingness to Pay in India
Get PDFA random utility approach is used to estimate logit equations which indicate what factors affect the likelihood of consumption of non-GM and GM foods, and, whether or not consumers are willing to pay a premium for non-GM/GM foods. Ceteris paribus as the price difference between non-GM and GM food rose, people were more likely to consume GM foods. Likelihood of GM food consumption was higher in the middle income brackets. Consumers were willing to pay an expected premium of 19.5% and 16.12% for golden rice and GM edible oil respectively. In case of chicken, consumers seemed to pay a very negligible premium for non-GM fed chicken. Overall, it appears that GM foods may be acceptable in the Indian market. However, basic awareness about the GM foods may have to be created among the consumers through government ministries, consumer interest groups, and biotech food-crop companies.GM Foods, Golden Rice, Bt cottonseed oil, GM fed chicken, Willingness to Pay, Random utility approach, Logit, India., Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Q13, D12,
Modelling Possible Impacts of GM Crops on Australian Trade
Get PDFThis paper looks at the impact on Australia’s trade in crops (non-wheat grains and oilseeds) where GM technology has been introduced. The model includes assumptions about the productivity gains of GM crops, possible consumer responses and regulatory costs for Australia and its major trading partners. The modelling work shows that, under current market conditions, the introduction of GM technology into the non-wheat grains and oilseeds sectors will have minimum impact on Australia’s trade position.Agriculture; Barley; Biotechnology; Canola; Corn; Cotton; EU; European Union; Food; Gene technology; Genes; Genetically modified crops; Genetically modified organisms; GM; GMO; Grains; GTAP; Herbicides; New Zealand; NZ; Oilseeds; Policy; Primary industry; Productivity; Regulation; SIP; Segregation and identity preservation systems; Soybeans; Sugarcane; Trade; United States; USA; Wheat; World Trade Organization; WTO;
Evidence of price premiums for non-GM grains in world markets
Get PDFWorld markets for a number of grains (soybeans, corn, canola and cottonseed) have become differentiated into GM, certified non-GM and organic segments, which has created opportunities and challenges for grain market participants. This paper summarises the evidence to date on the extent of price premiums for non-GM products throughout the world. A broad economic framework is employed to explain the observed pattern of price premiums. The key conclusion of the analysis is that world grains markets for which there are GM variants are dominated by GM grains, but there are niches for certified non-GM and organically produced grains, for which price premiums are paid. With some certified non-GM grains for a specific purpose, price premiums appear to be increasing. Apart from consumer attitudes, the key drivers of price premiums are mandatory labelling of GM products in some key grain consuming countries (particularly high income countries), higher production costs for non-GM crops and the cost of identity preservation.Demand and Price Analysis,
Are U.S. Consumers Tolerant of GM Foods?
Get PDFGenetically modified (GM) foods have caused many controversies. One important controversy relates to tolerance?the impurity rate that is tolerated before a commodity must be labeled as genetically modified. Currently, the United States does not have a specific tolerance or threshold level for GM foods. This paper uses experimental auctions to determine consumers? acceptance of non-GM foods with zero, 1 percent, and 5 percent tolerance for genetically modified material. Our results indicate that consumers would pay less for food that tolerates GM material, but the discount is not significantly different for foods with 1-percent and 5-percent GM content. Key words: genetically modified (GM) foods, contamination thresholds, laboratory auctions, nth-price auction, vegetable oil, tortilla chips, russet potatoesgenetically modified foods; GM foods; contamination thresholds; laboratory auctions; nth-rice auction; vegetable oil; tortilla chips; russet potatoes
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