The status and prospects for genetically modified crops in Europe

Despite the rapid expansion in the global area planted with genetically modified (GM) crops, there has been resistance to this technology in Europe: this article considers why. Molecular technologies used to produce GM crops are reviewed and crops currently and soon to become available listed. It is argued that the prospects for GM crops depend on: (1) consumer acceptance — which depends on the perception of the benefits GM crops offer and on confidence in the legislative framework and regulatory procedures designed to identify and quantify any potential disadvantages; (2) further technological advances — which might reduce any adverse consequences of and enhance the benefits from GM crops; (3) patent law — which underpins incentives for private investment and largely determines the development of market structure; and (4) the relative profitability of GM crops vis à vis conventionally bred varieties — which will be a key determinant of the area planted. Importantly, regulations which increase consumer confidence may also raise the costs of planting GM crops and therefore will act to reduce the area planted.