Controversies Over the Adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms: An Overview of the Special Issue

Many of the controversial issues surrounding the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are addressed in this special issue of JAFIO. There is concern that due to institutional constraints the biotechnology gene revolution will not live up to its potential. The potential for GM crops in less-developed countries appears to be less than for developed nations. In the United States the adoption rate of GM products varies by crop, thus it is difficult to generalize about the economic returns received from GM-crop adoption. Contamination issues such as the StarLink event, coupled with segregation costs have made GM crops less attractive than would otherwise be the case. In the European Union resistance to GM crops will likely remain high for the next several years due to both consumer resistance and from those producers who lose from the adoption of GM crops. Consumer acceptability of GM crops varies by country and is influenced by public information, which often is biased in favor of special interest groups. International clubs, which trade in GM products, may be formed in the future.