The first part of this chapter explores how EU regulation of genetically modified (GM) products addresses the question of risk. It becomes clear that the EU is in the process of tightening risk regulation in relation to GM produce. Not only has the range of potential risks assessed within risk...

This contribution is based mainly on ongoing research in an EU Framework 5 research programme. Wheat is a self-compatible, wind-pollinated species whose flowers are often cleistogamous. Crop to crop gene flow is very limited. Field experiments demonstrate that the distance of wheat pollen dispersal ...

According to EU Directive 2001/18/EC and its Appendix VII, there will be mandatory monitoring of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) placed on the market to: (i) trace and identify eventual effects of the placing on the market of GMOs; and (ii) give feedback to the risk assessment procedure. A...

This chapter investigates the potential cost of complying with the proposed European Union (EU) traceability requirements as they pertain to transgenic soyabean. The topics discussed include: EU labelling and traceability regulations; assessing the costs of traceability; adaptation and cost...

This chapter analyses the ex ante welfare effects of the adoption of herbicide tolerant sugarbeet in the sugar industry using a model. The geographical distribution of production and trade of sugar is analysed. A welfare framework shaped to the European sugar sector to assess the size and...

This chapter addresses the impact of regulation on innovation as measured by the development of new products in the food industry. The EU and US regulatory environments are compared with respect to three innovative fields in the food industry: the use of genetic engineering for food production and...

This chapter emphasizes direct trade in GM crops. It notes that two distinct groupings of countries are emerging in formulations of regulatory regimes for GM foods. One group is the EU 'club' where a combination of bans and restrictions on trade are being implemented. The second group is the North...

This chapter discusses the safety and nutritional assessment of transgenic plants and their derived products in the European Union. The nutritional and safety assessment of transgenic plants in other parts of the world is also summarized briefly.

The potential and actual applications of genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) in animal probiotics, digestibility enhancers, silage additives, preservatives and amino acids for technological and nutritional purposes and biomasses obtained as side streams (coproduct of feed additives) of...

This chapter deals with some of the contentious court cases involving patent eligibility issues in life science areas in several countries, including the European Union (EU), USA, UK and India. Court cases on patent eligibility of thiopurine drugs to treat autoimmune diseases, diagnostic method for ...