GM Food Systems and Their Economic Impact

Book excerpt: This book includes 6 chapters examining the relevance of transgenic crops in food production, prices and the environment. It initially describes the historical evolution of biotechnology and defines key terms, before moving on to explore transgenic technology and food regime concepts. It analyses genetically modified organism (GMO) policy as part of overall agrarian policy, considering neoregulation in the USA, the EU, Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa and Serbia, as well as discussing agricultural performance, support and trade relations. The effect of transgenic food production on world food prices is also examined, along with food security at global and regional levels, and the links between GMOs and world hunger. The environmental implications of transgenic technology are considered through analysis of pesticide and fertilizer usage and efficiency, and pesticide consumption in GMO and non-GMO producing countries. Finally, the book considers the entry of transgenic ingredients into the food chain and lists GMOs approved for use in foods and products contaminated with unapproved GMOs. The key features of this book include: a detailed analysis of economic data; a comparison of international trends, including BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and Serbia; evaluation of environmental and food security implications; and glossary of important terms. This book is intended for a wide range of professionals and researchers whose interests relate to all aspects of the global food system, including policy makers, policy advisers and analysts, NGOs, students and other interest groups.