GMO-free trade - executive summary

This paper aims to analyse how the 2004 EU Regulations requiring labelling and traceability of GMOs are affecting current European market trends regarding requirements for GMO-free producers, such as farmers of conventional or organic crops. A central issue for this paper addresses the effects of the 2004 labelling requirements on GMO-free producers in developing countries, identifying the main opportunities and challenges. The paper looks at the arguments for a ‘positive’ socioeconomic impacts for GMO-free producers by providing GMO-free differentiation, such as new market opportunities and price premium. However, it also examines the adverse economic impacts, particularly the increased complexities and costs associated with Identity Preservation or segregation requirements deriving from the Regulations, as well as the social implications deriving from the distribution of costs and benefits along the value chain.