Structured analysis of broader GMO impacts inspired by technology assessment to inform policy decisions

Tim Dassler, Anne I. Myhr, Carina R. Lalyer, Johannes L. Frieß, Armin Spök, Wolfgang Liebert, Kristin Hagen, Margret Engelhard and Bernd Giese ()
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Tim Dassler: NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS
Anne I. Myhr: NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS
Carina R. Lalyer: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)
Johannes L. Frieß: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)
Armin Spök: Graz University of Technology
Wolfgang Liebert: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)
Kristin Hagen: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
Margret Engelhard: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
Bernd Giese: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)

Agriculture and Human Values, 2024, vol. 41, issue 2, No 5, 449-458

Abstract: Abstract If genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are approved in the EU for experimental release or marketing authorization (placing on the market), a risk assessment (RA) is carried out beforehand to determine whether this may be associated with negative effects on human health, nature or the environment. Applications are reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the national Competent Authorities of the Member States. However, the potential ramifications of the GMOs that are systematically addressed in the current RA context are limited. Broader consideration can include environmental and health aspects beyond the scope of the statutory RA, as well as societal, ethical and cultural impacts. These other levels of impact may be considered during the comitology process of authorisation, but how this is done is typically not made explicit in a systematic way. However, with the dynamic developments of new kinds of GMOs, these considerations as well as transparency regarding the role of broader considerations in political decision-making become more and more relevant. Against this backdrop, we identified the requirements and suggest the main elements for such a broader assessment. We use insights from the field of Technology Assessment (TA) to explore the requirements for operationalising a rapid but still systematic, transparent and broad case-by-case GMO assessment compatible with the existing legislative framework.

Keywords: GMO; Genome editing; Technology assessment; GMO regulation; Ethical aspects; Societal issues (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s10460-023-10519-2

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