The Use of GM Crops in Developing Countries
Micronutrient-enriched GM crops
The development of GM crops which can provide increased levels of crucially important micronutrients has been the focus of much public discussion. Strong claims with regard to the potential of Golden Rice have been made by both proponents and opponents, sometimes in the absence of validated empirical evidence. We conclude that Golden Rice could make a valuable contribution where rice is the principal staple crop and other means of obtaining sufficient levels of vitamin A are more difficult to provide. This is often the case in developing countries where extreme poverty is widespread. But full assessment of the effectiveness of Golden Rice is a complex process which is not yet complete. It depends critically on the bioavailability of ßcarotene, on which there are widely different claims and assumptions. It is thus premature to proclaim that the approach will fail. The need being addressed is an urgent one. It is therefore essential that reliable empirical data from nutritional and bioavailability studies be obtained as a priority. At the same time, in endorsing continuing research on crops such as Golden Rice, we emphasise that evaluation of its cost-effectiveness, risk, and practicality in comparison to other means of addressing micronutrient deficiency is vital (paragraph 4.25).
Gene flow and biodiversity
The possibility that genes from GM crops could be transferred by pollen to other cultivars or wild relatives has caused concern. Gene flow may require special attention where GM crops are used in developing countries. Whether or not it is acceptable depends primarily on its consequences. The introduction of GM crops in developing countries which are centres of diversity of specific crops may in some cases be problematic. We recommend that in the case of sensitive areas such as centres of diversity, introgression of genetic material from GM crops in related species should be monitored. However, we are not persuaded that the possibility of gene flow should be sufficient to rule out the planting of GM crops in such areas, provided that regulatory requirements are met. Specific risks need to be assessed in particular contexts, and possibilities of safeguarding biodiversity must be considered carefully. The establishment and maintenance of comprehensive seed banks to conserve genetic resources of crop plants and their relatives is of crucial importance (paragraph 4.34).
Intellectual property rights (IPRs)
In 1999 we noted that the agrochemical and seed industry was tightly consolidated around a small number of multinational companies. There has been continuing concentration in the number of companies that control between them the provision of seeds and important research technologies. There are concerns that growth of patents in both the private and public sectors could have an inhibiting effect on publicly funded research. The challenge for the public sector, especially where research is directed at agriculture in developing countries, is how to access GM technologies without infringing IPRs. New initiatives which recognise the potential of these constraints to inhibit research into crops relevant to developing countries are therefore very timely. However, we also note that the recent example of Golden Rice shows that patented technologies need not necessarily be a barrier