Genetically modified foods and their impact on stakeholders in Virginia University of Richmond Environmental Studies Senior Seminar Spring 2005 Jessica Kitchin, Adam Renick, Amy Terepka Dr. David Kitchen

Trends in Biotechnology About ¾ of processed foods in the average supermarket have GM ingredients GM crop production has increased by double-digits for the past nine years Majority of GM acreage in U.S. corn, soybeans, and cotton

Virginia and Biotechnology Crop value in 2003 represents $718 million Estimated $5.6 million of that came from GM crops Relatively small proportion compared to major agricultural states Multiple universities and research institutions

GM Applications Input based  Bt crops contain bacterium that acts as a pesticide  HT crops are modified to resist certain herbicides Output based  Product enhancement  Biopharmaceutical

Proposed Benefits Economic  Farmers  Jobs Environmental  Lower pesticide use Health  Nutritional benefits “Golden Rice”

Proposed Risks Economic  Corporate control  Cross contamination Environmental  Increased herbicide use  “Superweeds” and “Superpests” Health  Allergy  Antibiotics Ethical Concerns

US vs. Europe Difference in consumer reaction  Trust in agriculture  Trust in regulatory bodies  Media differences

Virginia Stakeholders Ukrop’s Consumer Survey 53 percent knew nothing or very little about subject of GM foods 80 percent believed they had consumed a GM food product Those with opinion on GM foods generally had negative reaction Consumers were contradictory in their perception of GM foods and in their prioritization of factors (environmental, health, economic) “Conscious non-issue”

Virginia Stakeholders Research Institutions/ Universities Biotechnology Industry/ Seed Companies Farmers Retailers Consumers Advocacy Groups Government

Virginia Stakeholders Research Institutions/ Universities Biotechnology Industry/ Seed Companies Farmers Retailers Consumers Advocacy Groups Government

Virginia Stakeholders Research Institutions/ Universities Biotechnology Industry/ Seed Companies Farmers Retailers Consumers Advocacy Groups Government

Future of Biotech in Virginia Virginia’s best investment in the biotechnology industry is with research and development of further technologies Output based technology is the best prospect for agriculture GM opposition can create niche market for farmers and retailers

Questions GM labeling – Is it necessary? If so, what will it take? When will consumers get involved? At what point does the precautionary principle need to override immediate or temporary benefits? Is this the right technology and the right time for the state of Virginia?