ABSTRACT
Development and release of a new, modern variety typically takes 8 to 15 years and costs in the range of US$1-$2.5 million, for a traditionally bred variety, to US$25-$75 million to develop a transgene that might be used in many genetically modified varieties. The research and development cycle of new seed varieties generally involves three overlapping phases: selection and pre-breeding, breeding and product approval. These phases differ slightly where the R&D involves genetically modified organisms, since the high-technology biotechnological research tools needed for genetic engineering require extra investment and the costs of regulatory approval are higher.
