Apples compared to Apples: Attitudes towards cisgenic and transgenic breeds

E.-A. Nuppenau and Amjath Babu T.s
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E.-A. Nuppenau: University of Giessen, Dept. of Agri. Policy and Market Research, Giessen
Amjath Babu T.s: University of Giessen, Dept. of Agri. Policy and Market Research, Giessen

Journal of Socio-Economics in Agriculture (Until 2015: Yearbook of Socioeconomics in Agriculture), 2009, vol. 2, issue 1, 113-142

Abstract: The discussion on the use of Genetically Modified (GM) crops has become a tedious issue. It seems that an amicable settlement of the conflicts between those who object the use of GM crops and want a general ban (more or less) on modification of plant and animal genetic resources on the one side, and those who want to have a generic permit for the application of genetic modifications (to authorize their experiments with nature) on the other side, remains to be a mirage. The conflict is also about the aims of agrobiotechnology as well as the distribution of its costs and benefits. This article seeks to advance towards a solution by suggesting that a property rights assignment may help to realize an agreement that is less risky than the current status quo. We outline a bargaining model referring to government regulations on property rights, which shall encourage mutually respected private agreements for industry and farming. It can be an explicit right to pursue commercial biotechnology or an explicit right to be protected from the exposure to commercial GM crops Specifically we aim at designating interests in a rights exchange to settle the conflict. It is the objective of this contribution (1) to analyze the exchange of rights in a political economy viewpoint instead of proposing a market solution (Harsanyi/Zusman). (2) It attempts to outline the stakeholders’ interests and to specify externalities of uncertain effects of GM crops. (3) The article refers to a compromise which could be built on reciprocity where risk is the common denominator. The compromise requires an understanding beyond the exchange of technical details and involves a political bargaining process to find “better” solutions as well as commitments. Solutions are defined as reduced risks from GM crops given current status of a most likely inevitable spread of GM crops.

Keywords: GM crops; political economy; bargaining model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cha:ysa001:v:2:y:2009:i:1:p:113-142

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