February 11, 2016 | Genetic Literacy Project
Campaigns against genetically modified organisms (GMOs), originating primarily in Europe, have created significant obstacles to the development and adoption of genetically modified crops. While the policies and practices resulting from these campaigns impose considerable costs on the economies of origin, they disproportionately hurt those nations with the greatest need for more productive agriculture — particularly the developing nations of sub-Saharan Africa. Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) estimates that the current restrictive climate for agricultural biotech innovations could cost low- and lower- middle-income nations up to $1.5 trillion in foregone economic benefits through 2050. In short, anti-GMO activists have erected significant barriers for the development of the poorest nations on earth.. . . .
Adoption of biotech-improved seeds by farmers in developing countries has been impeded by two main factors: scientifically indefensible regulations limiting GMO use and export limits, largely driven by Europe. The former have been driven by NGO campaigns to demonize GMOs, European foreign aid and other pressures aimed at reducing GMO use, and mixed impacts from various United Nations programs.....The most important vehicle through which European anti-GM forces have impeded GMO use in developing nations, particularly in Africa, is the widespread use of nontariff trade barriers for GMO exports. . . .It is difficult to estimate the full economic impact of these pressures on African agricultural productivity, but some estimates can be made......
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