Production, commercialization, and intellectual property of transgenic crops in Latin America

Abstract

Purpose Transgenic crops have been increasingly adopted, produced and commercialized throughout the world. Correspondingly, the management of intellectual property rights concerning transgenic crops has gained importance. In this context, it is necessary to understand the status quo of transgenic crop production, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to provide a general scenario of transgenic crops and their growth around the world, especially in Latin America. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was carried out to determine the status of intellectual property protection, production and commercialization of transgenic crops. Findings Opinions concerning the risks and benefits of adopting transgenics are markedly divided. Its presence in the agricultural sector has undoubtedly taken a firm hold in different parts of the world. Nevertheless, there are some areas of the international transgenics industry that need further and ongoing discussion and assessment, such as biosafety, intellectual property, regulation and legislation, among others. Additionally, in developing countries, and especially in the case of Latin America, other relevant issues to be addressed are associated with the conservation of local plant varieties and the preservation of cultural values, as well as the development of endogenous technology to solve local problems and the integration of farmers and the society at large and their interests into the discussion. Research limitations/implications The most significant limitation of the present study was the lack of available data. Future studies using larger data sets will allow for more robust statistical analyses. Additionally, country-specific studies focused on the most important crops, those that each country grows intensively, are necessary for a better insight into the global dynamics of the sector; these studies must stress the intellectual property mechanisms used and address biosafety and regulatory issues, among other areas. Originality/value The present study represents a starting point for establishing schemes to facilitate the proper development and management of transgenic technology based on regional interests and the guiding principles of ethics and biosecurity.

GM trust shaped by trust determinants with the impact of risk/benefit framework: the contingent role of food technology neophobia

“… 9 Another concern is that transgenic crop patents and intellectual property rights may result in market dominance and pricing of monopolies. 10 Eventually, GM food success will depend on consumer trust in GM food and government approval and market adoption. Therefore, trust in public and private organizations seems to be the primary factor in determining consumer perception and attitude toward GM food.…”

Growing from the South in the seed market: Grupo Don Mario

“…, 2015). Global consumers of food products also create opportunities demanding healthier and more environmentally friendly products which require new kinds of seeds; and farmers are requiring that seeds provide multiple services like resistance to particular herbicides or better adaptation to changing climate conditions (Barragán-Ocaña et al. , 2019; Narine et al.…”

NAFTA and the United States and Mexico maize belts 1994–2017

“…As stated by Saravia et al (2018), in the Mexican market, there are hybrid seeds produced by research centers that do not have patents and that also guarantee high yields (Nagarajan et al, 2019). The problem with their development is the problem that alarms ecologists and conservationists, which is that they threaten the gene bank (genetic material) that is essential for getting new varieties by traditional methods, causing loss of native varieties that were cultivated throughout thousands of years in Mexico (Barragan et al, 2019).…”