Organic Label Rules and Market Tensions: The Challenge of Satisfying Buyers

Abstract

Coexistence is not merely a GMO versus organic issue, but an issue of product purity and choice for the entire agricultural supply chain. As agricultural production becomes more differentiated and niche products, including conflicting GM traits, become more numerous, coexistence will become an even more important issue. The ability to efficiently test for AP of GM traits and clear standards for acceptable levels of AP are essential ingredients of a workable coexistence regime. The inability to quickly and reliably test for the presence of some GM traits makes the labeling of some organic or non-GM products problematic. The lack of a GM threshold in the National Organic Program has created some challenges for the organic industry. A zero-tolerance threshold is unattainable and unworkable; realistic market-based thresholds are essential to the production and trade of differentiated agricultural commodities. The regulatory approval process for GM crop varieties should take coexistence and other market issues into consideration. Necessary coexistence measures, acceptable AP levels, and test methods should be known and in place prior to commercialization of a new GM event. Ideally, some coexistence measures could be built into a new variety.