Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Biodiversity and Optimal Policies Towards R&D and the Growth of Genetically Modified Crops

  • Published:
Environmental and Resource Economics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this paper we provide a simple model illustrating the possible nature ofgovernment policy with regards to genetic modification, taking into accountits impact on the environment. We show that it is necessary not only tointervene in the growing of crops, but also to intervene in R&D througha tax on the adoption of new GM technology. Without intervention at bothlevels, both the cultivation of GM crops and the rate of innovation in GM willexceed their socially optimal levels.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Carraro, C. and A. Soubeyran (1996), ‘Environmental Policy and Choice of Production Technology’, in C. Carraro, X. Katsoulacos and A. Xepapadeas, eds., Environmental Policy and Market Structure, Economics Energy Environment Series, Kluwer Academic Publishers.

  • de Vincente, C.G.H. and T. Hodgkin (2000), Key Issues in Molecular Techniques to Improve Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources, presented at the 'Biotechnology Environmental Policy and Agriculture’ workshop, Rome, May 2000.

  • Downing, P. and L. White (1986), ‘Innovations in Pollution Control’, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 13, 18–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goeschl, T. and T. Swanson (1999), ‘Endogeneous Growth and Biodiveresity: The Social Value of Genetic Resources for R&D', Working Paper, CSERGE GEC 99-11, University College London.

  • Magat, W.A. (1979), ‘The Effects of Environmental Regulation on Innovation’, Law and Contemporary Problems 43, 4–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malueg, D. (1989), ‘Emission Credit Trading and the Incentive to Adopt New Pollution Abatement Technology’, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 16, 52–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milliman, S. and R. Prince (1989), ‘Firm Incentives to Promote Technological Change in Pollution Control’, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 17, 247–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orr, L. (1976), ‘Incentives for Innovation as the Basis for Effluent Charge Strategy’, American Economic Review, Papers and Proceedings 66, 441–447.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reiss, M.J. and R. Straughan (1996), Improving Nature? The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering, Cambridge University Press.

  • Sianesi, B. and D. Ulph (1999), Species Loss Through the Genetic Modification of Crops – A Policy Framework, unpublished.

  • Weitzman, M.L. (1992), ‘On Diversity’, Quarterly Journal of Economics 107, 363–405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Economics, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK

    Alistair Ulph

  2. Department of Geography, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AB, UK

    Lucy O'Shea

Authors
  1. Alistair Ulph
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lucy O'Shea
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ulph, A., O'Shea, L. Biodiversity and Optimal Policies Towards R&D and the Growth of Genetically Modified Crops. Environ Resource Econ 22, 505–520 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019843425947

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019843425947

Search

Navigation