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Environmental Effects of Genetically Modified Crops: Differentiated Risk Assessment and Management

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Book cover Regulating Agricultural Biotechnology: Economics and Policy

Part of the book series: Natural Resource Management and Policy ((NRMP,volume 30))

Abstract

The environmental risks and benefits of genetically modified crops have varying degrees of certainty. The U.S. regulatory system evaluates a suite of hazards for the crops primarily by minimizing type I error. However, genetically modified crops vary widely in their potential for environmental harm. We develop a differentiated risk assessment process using three models that shift from primary emphasis on controlling type I error for crops similar to conventionally bred varieties to stringent control of type II error for the most novel genetically modified crops. Parallel risk management approaches with economic considerations are discussed. Crop biotechnology development implications are drawn.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Portland State University, Portland

    David E. Ervin

  2. Clarkson University, Germany

    Rick Welsh

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  1. David E. Ervin
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Maryland, USA

    Richard E. Just

  2. University of California, Davis

    Julian M. Alston

  3. University of California, Berkeley

    David Zilberman

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Ervin, D.E., Welsh, R. (2006). Environmental Effects of Genetically Modified Crops: Differentiated Risk Assessment and Management. In: Just, R.E., Alston, J.M., Zilberman, D. (eds) Regulating Agricultural Biotechnology: Economics and Policy. Natural Resource Management and Policy, vol 30. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-36953-2_15

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