Issue 16: May 2002

While commercial proponents stress the potential contribution of genetically modified (GM) plants in “feeding the world,” only about one-quarter of field tests in the US and 12.5 per cent in the European Union relate directly to crop yield, according to an analysis by the UN University Institute for New Technologies (UNU/INTECH). Seven in 10 GM tests are being conducted on herbicide tolerance and pest resistance.

Anthony Arundel, of the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, in an analysis published by INTECH, shows 69 per cent of US and 71 per cent of EU trials on GM plants relate to herbicide tolerance and pest resistance. In the US, 63 per cent of the latter are for insect resistance, 21 per cent are for viruses, 12.7 per cent for fungi, and 3.3 per cent for other pests, including bacteria.

While improved pest resistance would contribute to crop yields, the analysis shows just 27.8 per cent of US and 12.5 per cent of EU trials with GM plants concern yield directly (in total, these account for only 1.1 per cent of all US and EU field trials combined), considered the most important improvement needed if the food requirements of developing countries are to be met.

“The benefits of agricultural biotechnology to developing countries – one of its main public selling points – will require development of stress resistant crops and new types of crops adapted to tropical climates,” according to INTECH director Lynn Mytelka.  “Such crops are a long way from market given the relatively slow pace of testing in these areas.”

An increase in public sector research will be needed to fill the void if the potential of agricultural biotechnologies for the benefit of developing countries is to be harnessed, she said, noting that such research goes beyond genetically modified plants (breeding and other agricultural systems work to increase yields, for example).

Other expert contributors on the topic argue that public sector research in developing countries needs to shift, with emphasis on establishing new initiatives, capabilities and institutions.

The analysis was published in the second issue of INTECH’s Technology Policy Briefs, a new series recently launched to reach policy-makers in developing countries and those groups and individuals seeking to influence the policymaking process at national and international levels. The bimonthly series is produced by a network of experts from specialized research institutions in developed and developing countries.

The first issue was on the theme Technology Policy Issues at the WTO. Future issues will deal with:

• Biopharmaceuticals and Health

• Information and Communication Technologies and the Internet

• Energy and the Environment

• Transnational Corporations and Innovation

For more information about the Technology Policy Brief series or other INTECH publications, contact Monique Seuren.

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