This paper assesses the global economic implications of the proposed strict documentation requirements on traded shipments of potentially genetically modified (GM) commodities under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

In 2006, India proposed a draft rule requiring the labeling of all genetically modified (GM) foods and products derived thereof. This paper assesses the economic implications of introducing such a mandatory labeling policy for GM food. Focuses on four products that would likely be the first affected by such a regulation in India: cottonseed oil, soybean oil, brinjal (eggplant), and rice.

Biotechnology in agriculture has generated a great deal of controversy in recent years. Of the many scientific advances that have occurred in plant breeding since Gregor Mendel conducted his experiments about 150 years ago, crops with genetic modifications seem to have been accorded a unique status.

This study investigates the observed discrepancy between real and perceived commercial risks associated with the use of genetically modified (GM) products in developing countries.

It focus particularly on the effects of GM-free private standards set up by food companies in Europe and other countries on biotechnology and biosafety policy decisions in food-exporting developing countries.

The fear of export losses has reportedly played a role in discouraging Asian countries to test and/or approve new GM food crops despite their productivity potential.