Two Decades of GMOs

Agricultural technologies have a key role to play in advancing international development, including achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are among a wide of range of agricultural technologies that can play a significant role in meeting SDG1 (poverty eradication), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG13 (climate change), and other interlinked SDGs. Yet GMO opposition persists in Europe with spillover effects in Africa, Asia, South America, and Latin America, thereby limiting the adoption of the new technology in the developing world. This chapter outlines two decades of positive impacts of GMOs in terms of socioeconomic and environmental benefits and considers their potential role in addressing the challenges presented in the 2030 development agenda. The authors highlight fundamental challenges in the application of GMOs, including the overly cautious application of precautionary principle and the lack of an international GMO regulatory framework. Developing countries need to employ risk-assessment models that balance benefits, costs, and risks of GMOs, focusing on local agricultural and environmental practices, rather than following developed countries.