Genetically modified foods, trade, and developing countries

This paper analyzes price, production and trade consequences of changing consumer preferences regarding the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production. The analytical framework used is an empirical global general equilibrium model, in which the entire food processing chain - fro...

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Autores principales: Pohl Nielsen, Chantal, Thierfelder, Karen, Robinson, Sherman
Formato: Artículo preliminar
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: International Food Policy Research Institute 2001
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/155921
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author Pohl Nielsen, Chantal
Thierfelder, Karen
Robinson, Sherman
author_browse Pohl Nielsen, Chantal
Robinson, Sherman
Thierfelder, Karen
author_facet Pohl Nielsen, Chantal
Thierfelder, Karen
Robinson, Sherman
author_sort Pohl Nielsen, Chantal
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description This paper analyzes price, production and trade consequences of changing consumer preferences regarding the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production. The analytical framework used is an empirical global general equilibrium model, in which the entire food processing chain - from primary crops through livestock feed to processed foods - is segregated into genetically modified (GM) and non-GM lines of production. This model is used to analyze the implications of widespread use of genetically engineered crops in some regions whilst consumers in Western Europe and High- income Asia adopt a critical attitude toward GM foods. Two different representations of consumer preference changes are illustrated: (1) a change in price sensitivity: i.e. consumer demand is less sensitive to a decline in the price of GM foods relative to non-GM varieties, and (2) a structural demand shift: for a given price ratio consumers simply demand less of the GM variety relative to the non-GM variety. This analysis finds that developing countries adjust their trade patterns in response to preference changes in important trading partner countries. Non-GM varieties are diverted to GM-critical regions while GM varieties are sold to countries in which consumers are not sensitive to GM content. Furthermore, the development of segregated GM and non-GM food creates a potential niche market for producers if the non-GM characteristic can in fact be preserved and verified throughout the marketing system at reasonable costs.
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spelling CGSpace1559212025-11-06T07:26:03Z Genetically modified foods, trade, and developing countries Pohl Nielsen, Chantal Thierfelder, Karen Robinson, Sherman genetically modified organisms economic aspects trade food production prices This paper analyzes price, production and trade consequences of changing consumer preferences regarding the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production. The analytical framework used is an empirical global general equilibrium model, in which the entire food processing chain - from primary crops through livestock feed to processed foods - is segregated into genetically modified (GM) and non-GM lines of production. This model is used to analyze the implications of widespread use of genetically engineered crops in some regions whilst consumers in Western Europe and High- income Asia adopt a critical attitude toward GM foods. Two different representations of consumer preference changes are illustrated: (1) a change in price sensitivity: i.e. consumer demand is less sensitive to a decline in the price of GM foods relative to non-GM varieties, and (2) a structural demand shift: for a given price ratio consumers simply demand less of the GM variety relative to the non-GM variety. This analysis finds that developing countries adjust their trade patterns in response to preference changes in important trading partner countries. Non-GM varieties are diverted to GM-critical regions while GM varieties are sold to countries in which consumers are not sensitive to GM content. Furthermore, the development of segregated GM and non-GM food creates a potential niche market for producers if the non-GM characteristic can in fact be preserved and verified throughout the marketing system at reasonable costs. 2001 2024-10-24T12:42:48Z 2024-10-24T12:42:48Z Working Paper https://hdl.handle.net/10568/155921 en Open Access application/pdf International Food Policy Research Institute Pohl Nielsen, Chantal; Thierfelder, Karen; Robinson, Sherman. 2001. Genetically modified foods, trade, and developing countries. TMD Discussion Paper 77. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/155921
spellingShingle genetically modified organisms
economic aspects
trade
food production
prices
Pohl Nielsen, Chantal
Thierfelder, Karen
Robinson, Sherman
Genetically modified foods, trade, and developing countries
title Genetically modified foods, trade, and developing countries
title_full Genetically modified foods, trade, and developing countries
title_fullStr Genetically modified foods, trade, and developing countries
title_full_unstemmed Genetically modified foods, trade, and developing countries
title_short Genetically modified foods, trade, and developing countries
title_sort genetically modified foods trade and developing countries
topic genetically modified organisms
economic aspects
trade
food production
prices
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/155921
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AT thierfelderkaren geneticallymodifiedfoodstradeanddevelopingcountries
AT robinsonsherman geneticallymodifiedfoodstradeanddevelopingcountries