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



Environmental


Farmers
Jobs
Lower pesticide use
Health

Nutritional benefits

“Golden Rice”
Proposed Risks

Economic



Environmental



Increased herbicide use
“Superweeds” and
“Superpests”
Health



Corporate control
Cross contamination
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?