Deployment: Regulations and steps for commercialization

Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) crops produced by genetic engineering continue to increase in production worldwide. In 2007, 23 countries produced 282.3 million acres of GM crops, up 30.3 million acres since 2006 [International Service of AgriBiotech Applications (ISAAA)]. The US ranks first in GM crop production, followed by Argentina, Brazil and Canada, in that order. The potential for economic and social gain from the production of GM crops is generally greater in developing countries/economies, since there is usually a higher incidence of disease/pests and larger potential for yield increase (Abdalla et al. 2003; Qaim 2005). According to Nossal et al. (2008), GM crop production in 2007 increased by 20% in countries with emerging economies versus 6% in developed countries.