The Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms in Latin America: Policy Implications for Trade, Biosafety, and Development

Abstract

This study examines how Latin American countries’ policies toward Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) affect trade. It examines intellectual property rights, biosafety regulations, trade restrictions, food labeling regimes, and trends in public agricultural research investment. We use data from the UN Comtrade database to analyze trade patterns. The aim is to extrapolate future trends that may arise as the GM Revolution continues. Results include an examination of how Brazil’s GM exports are shifting from Europe to China, as well as analysis of how Argentina’s GMO adoption forced GM products upon neighboring states. Furthermore, we find that developing nations often use IPR limitations as an opportunity to borrow technologies in the face of limited innovation capacity, but that these IPR limitations may not dissuade foreign investors as traditionally thought. Finally, using the Balassa Index, we find that Latin America possesses a strong Revealed Comparative Advantage in GM crops compared to the world.