Global Pipeline of GM Crops out to 2020

Researchers at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission have updated a 2008 JRC study that analyzed the global pipeline of genetically modified (GM) crops that were expected in the market in 2015. The paper, published in Nature Biotechnology, describes GM crops in the pipeline from 2008 to 2014, and shows the global situation of GM crops in development, with the objective of describing the medium-term innovations in the food, feed, and industrial sectors.

The study, authored by Claudia Parisi, Pascal Tillie, and Emilio Rodriguez-Cerezo, also analyzes the role of developing countries in the GM crop pipeline. The authors conclude that, although a few arable crops (for feed and industrial use) and agronomic traits will likely dominate commercial varieties for the foreseeable future, with many being stacked together, more quality traits and specialty crops are being introduced into the pipeline. They also note that new technology developers are emerging, particularly in developing countries such as India, China, Brazil, and African developers are showing their willingness to enter the commercial field.

The feature article preview and options for full access are available at Nature Biotechnology.