Trends in Global Approvals of Biotech Crops (1992–2014)

With the increasing number of genetically modified (GM) crops, approval of these technologies may vary depending on the needs, demand, and trade interest. ISAAA established the GM Approval Database to document approvals of biotech crops. Based on the approval documents, ISAAA conducted a study on the trends and factors that affect GM approvals in the last 23 years (1992-2014). The study also provides the rationale for factors affecting approvals, and their implications in GM crop adoption. The results of the study are published in GM Crops and Food.

In the second decade of commercialization (2004-2014), there was a significant increase in the number of approvals for food, feed, and cultivation compared to the first decade (1992-2003). The increase in approvals could have been the effect of countries developing their regulatory framework in the first decade and taking effect in the latter decade. Other international incidents, including the 2012 US drought, were also inferred to have been factors that directly of indirectly affected the global GM approvals.

These findings may provide better understanding and acceptance of GM crops as well as the desire of countries to enhance regulatory capability to be able to benefit from GM crops. The paper provided information on the trends in the growth of the GM crop industry in the last 23 years, which may be vital in predicting future GM crops.

This research paper is authored by Dr. Rhodora R. Aldemita, Ian Mari Reaño, Dr. Renando Solis and Dr. Randy Hautea.

For more information on the study, read the full article published online as an accepted manuscript before final Version of Record in GM Crops & Food.