ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the institutional structure that has developed around the development and delivery of genetically modified crop varieties (GMO). It assesses the institutional capacity and incentives to deliver GMOs for food crops to developing country farmers. It is important to distinguish between the foods crops, such as rice, wheat, white maize, cassava, and potatoes that are consumed directly by humans and the industrial crops that constitute the bulk of GMO. Three indicators are used to measure the level and source of GMO capacity in developing countries – discovery R&D capacity is indicated by biosafety field trial permits issued, pre-commercial capacity is indicated by the issuance of cultivation approval, and commercial capacity is indicated by area sown with GMO crops. There is little overlap between current GMO crops and the crops that are important for food security in developing countries and the infrastructure for delivering non-GMO improved varieties of food crops.
