Discussion paper28th December 2003

The use of GM crops in developing countries

This discussion paper is a follow-up to our 1999 report on GM crops. It reviews the scientific evidence, socio-economic trends, and developments in policy, trade and regulation.

Food and agriculture

Discussion paper (PDF)

Key points

• The use of GM crops, in appropriate circumstances, can have considerable potential for improving agriculture and the livelihood of poor farmers in developing countries.
• The possible costs, benefits and risks associated with particular GM crops can only be assessed on a case by case basis. It is important to ask the question:how does the use of a GM crop compare to other alternatives?
• There is an ethical obligation to explore the potential of GM crops responsibly. We therefore recommend that research into GM crops be sustained, and especially directed towards the needs of small-scale farmers in developing countries.