GM Food Systems and their Economic Impact

The development of transgenic crops is revolutionary, but what does it mean for food production, prices and to the environment? This is the first book to examine the economic evidence in a methodical way. It describes the historical evolution of biotechnology and defines key terms. It moves on to transgenic technology and food regime concepts. It analyzes GMO policy as part of overall agrarian policy, considering neoregulation in Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa, Spain and Serbia; and agricultural performance, support and trade relations. The effect of transgenic food production on world food prices is examined. Food security at global and regional levels, and the linkages between GMOs and world hunger, are explored. The book considers whether transgenic technology is environmentally friendly. It analyzes pesticide and fertilizer usage and efficiency over time, and pesticide consumption in GMO and non-GMO producing countries is reviewed. Finally, it considers the entry of transgenic ingredients into the food chain, listing the products affected.

Key features:

- Detailed analysis of economic data
- Comparison of international trends, including BRICs and Serbia
- Evaluation of environmental and food security implications
- Glossary of important terms.