Competition with mandatory labeling of genetically modified products

In April 2004, the European Union adopted a new legislative framework for genetically modified (GM) organisms. This framework regulates the placing on the market of GM products, and demands these products to be labeled as such. We present a duopoly model with vertical differentiation and mandatory labeling, where one firm produces the conventional product. We assume the GM product to have lower marginal cost, and lower value to consumers. We analyze the effects of introducing the GM good on output, prices, and welfare. We also study contamination and costly testing of convential goods