Stakeholders' perceptions of genetically modified crops : the environmental risks, current regulatory approach & future management goals

Abstract

Stakeholders' perceptions of genetically modified crops: the environmental risks, current regulatory approach and future management goals. Katherine L Johnson Abstract Genetically modified crops have the capacity to bring great benefits to agriculture, but alongside these benefits there are numerous inherent risks. Before being approved for commercial cultivation or even experimental release, genetically modified crops are required to undergo stringent regulatory assessment to evaluate their potential to harm both human health and the environment. In Europe, despite having the most comprehensive regulatory assessment, genetically modified crops have gained significant negative press and public hostility. It seems the regulatory system instils little public confidence and is frequently criticised by a range of stakeholder groups. This study considers the concerns of a range stakeholder groups in relation to the environmental risk associated with genetically modified crops, and the regulatory process governing their use. These groups include: farmers, governments and advisory bodies, industry, non-governmental organisations and scientists. By identifying the concerns held by the stakeholders, the extent to which current systems are addressing these concerns were evaluated. Comparisons were also drawn between groups, allowing areas of similarity and dissimilarities in their concerns to be highlighted. This could help explain the animosity between certain sections involved in the debate but also provide platforms of commonality. The stakeholder groups were also asked to identify management goals , and assessment endpoints which addressed their concerns, and could be used to drive the current regulatory assessment. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches were undertaken to achieve the aims of this study. Semi-

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