An evidence-based review on the likely economic and environmental impact of genetically modified cereals and oilseeds for UK agriculture

摘要: An evidence-based review of the potential impact that introduction genetically-modified (GM) cereal and oilseed crops could have for UK was carried out. The inter-disciplinary research project addressed key questions using scenarios uptake, or not, GM technologies. This followed by an extensive literature review, stakeholder consultation financial modelling. world area canola, rape (OSR) low in both erucic acid oil glucosinolates meal, 34M ha 2012 which 27% GM; Canada is lead producer but it also grown USA, Australia Chile. Farm level effects adopting OSR include: lower production costs; higher yields profits; ease farm management. Growing instead conventional reduces herbicide usage environmental impact. Some 170M maize 2011 28% main producers are China Brazil. Spain EU although widely Portugal. Insect resistant (IR) tolerant (HT) traits currently available commercially. benefits costs through reduced use pesticides profits. adoption results less pesticide than on counterpart leading to residues food animal feed allowing increasing diversity bees other pollinators. In EU, well-tried coexistence measures growing proximity avoided gene flow issues. Scientific evidence so far seems indicate there has been no damage from crops. They may possibly even be beneficial environment as they result herbicides being applied improved carbon sequestration tillage. A work cereals relevant found input trait on: pathogen tolerance; abiotic stress such drought salinity; yield under different field conditions. For output traits, mainly focussed modifying nutritional components connection with various enzymes, diagnostics vaccines. Scrutiny applications submitted trial testing around 9000 15 10 since 1996. There many patent granted patents USA traits;an indication scale fact a 6 week period spring 2013, 12 were relating cereals. dynamic model enabled us better understand examine likely performance Bt HT south UK, if cultivation permitted future. It continuous OSR, unless pest pressure former weed latter, seed premia buffer zone between would reduce returns compared their counterparts. When modelling four crop rotation, gross margins increased significantly at levels pressure, particularly businesses larger fields where scaled down. supply UK-produced wider chain examined widespread chain. sector benefit cheaper supplies raw materials and, future, might enhanced profile (such having protein levels) becoming available. livestock enabling margins. Whilst costs, unlikely these cause substantial changes structure. Retailers not concerned about future increase amount coming crops. To conclude, we (the team) feel appropriate years ahead farmers, consumers without causing damage. Furthermore, British farmers allowed grow competitiveness farming decline relative globally.