The Use of GM Crops in Developing Countries
Summary of Chapters 2-4
4.48 In the short time between the publication of our 1999 Report and 2003, there has been a substantial increase in evidence, relating to the use of GM crops in developing countries (see also Appendix 3). However, the debate about the safety of GM crops remains characterised by highly polarised views. Proponents often claim that all forms of GM crops will benefit developing countries, while opponents frequently argue that any applications of GM crops are unsuitable for use to farmers in developing countries. The examples in Chapter 3 amply demonstrate the potential advantages offered by some GM crops. The discussion in Chapter 4 shows that possible costs, benefits and risks resulting from the introduction of a specific GM crop in a particular developing country depend on a variety of factors and can only be assessed on a case by case basis (see also paragraph 4.36).55 We conclude that the potential benefits of contemporary plant breeding, including those arising from the use of genetic modification of crops, have been empirically demonstrated in some instances, and have considerable potential in others, to improve agricultural practice and the livelihood of poor people in developing countries while reducing environmental degradation. There is an ethical obligation to explore these benefits responsibly, in order to improve food security, profitable agriculture and the protection of the environment in developing countries (see also paragraphs 1.20- 1.31 of the 1999 Report).
4.49 In assessing whether GM crops should be used or not, it is essential to focus on the specific situation in the particular countries, asking the question: ‘How does the use of a GM crop compare to other alternatives?’ All possible paths of action must be compared, including inaction, in respect of improving, in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way, human health, nutrition, and the ability to afford an adequate diet.
4.50 We do not take the view that there is currently enough evidence of actual or potential harm to justify a blanket moratorium on either research, field trials, or the controlled release of GM crops into the environment. We recommend that research on the use of GM crops in developing countries be sustained, governed by a reasonable application of the precautionary approach. Risks arising from the adoption of GM crops need to be compared with risks of other possible courses of action, and of the status quo. Accumulating evidence from new scientific developments must be used to inform discussions about the current or future use of GM crops. The views of farmers and other relevant stakeholders must also be taken into account (see also paragraphs 5.33-5.34). Research and use of GM crops needs to be governed by appropriate regulation. We consider the current regulatory context, relevant recent developments in the area, and ethical issues arising from these, in the next chapter.
Footnotes55 This approach may provoke the objection that most of the GM food crops which are promising for developing countries have not yet been planted in field trials, and that a robust assessment of their usefulness and the associated risks is therefore currently unavailable. However, this objection also applies to promising new developments in conventional plant breeding. With regard to both cases we take the view that it is too early to dismiss ongoing research in its entirety.