Continents divided: Understanding differences between Europe and North America in acceptance of GM crops

GM Crops Food. 2013 Jul-Dec;4(3):202-8. doi: 10.4161/gmcr.26981. Epub 2013 Nov 21.

Abstract

The differences between GM policies in the US and Europe have several causes. GM technology holds a home court advantage in the US and European chemical companies did not support its introduction. The technology did not seem to provide benefits to consumers, and the crops it applied to were not so significant in Europe. The technology was introduced during a time when the political influence of green parties in Europe was especially significant, and European trust of government capacity to enter food security issues was at its lowest.

Keywords: Europe; GM crops; United States; biotechnology; economics; interest group; policy; political economy; regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Community Participation*
  • Crops, Agricultural / genetics*
  • Europe
  • Internationality*
  • North America
  • Plants, Genetically Modified*
  • Public Policy