Pharmaceutical and Industrial Traits in Genetically Modified Crops: Co-existence with Conventional Agriculture

GianCarlo Moschini
August 2006  [06-WP 429]

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Suggested citation:

Moschini, G. 2006. "Pharmaceutical and Industrial Traits in Genetically Modified Crops: Co-existence with Conventional Agriculture." Working paper 06-WP 429. Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University.


Abstract

This paper discusses the implications of using genetically modified crops to biomanufacture pharmaceuticals and industrial compounds from the perspective of their co-existence with conventional agriculture. Such plant-made pharmaceuticals and plant-made industrial products rely on exciting scientific and technological breakthroughs and promise new opportunities for the agricultural sector, but they also entail novel risks. The management of the externalities and of the possible unintended economic effects that arise in this context is critical and poses difficult questions for regulators.

Keywords: agriculture, biopharming, co-existence, externalities, genetically modified products, liability, molecular farming, regulation.