Socio-economic
Impact Assessment of Genetically Modified Crops: Shuji HISANO (Hokkaido University) Summary The rapid adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops around the world has caused controversy about safety problems and socio-economic impacts. In this paper I address the latter aspect of GM technology in order to critically review the legitimacy of agricultural biotechnology development. Proponents portray GM crops as both indispensable and beneficial to everyone, including farmers and consumers, and moreover, developing countries. However, the rhetoric of neutrality embedded in science and technology masks a series of social contradictions. All of the processes concerned with new technology development are under the influence of domineering transnational corporations. In fact, GM crops have been commercialized through large amounts of R&D and approval procedures. These, when criticized, are deeply tied to private profit neglecting short and long-term social and environmental consequences. The analysis centers on "farmers' benefits" including cost reductions, yield increases, and management flexibility. From cases in the U.S. and Canada, it is revealed that the benefits of GM are enjoyed by a small number of corporations rather than by farmers. Yet, we are left with another question; can there be other benefits, such as feeding the growing world population in ways compatible with sustainable agriculture, even if the on-farm economic benefits derived from GM crops are not enough? An answer of "yes" or "no" will depend on further study, however, it is essential for us to distinguish between the general potential of GM technology and its actual consequences under current political and socio-economic conditions. |