Social benefit of GMOs
There is dissatisfaction in the EU about the approvals procedure for genetically modified crops, which currently only takes account of human and animal safety. There is debate in the European Union about whether other factors should be taken into account, such as sustainability, or benefit to society. These are also referred to as “socio-economic factors”.
The Netherlands has tried to clarify which socio-economic factors this may concern. The report on the socio-economic factors of GMOs (in Dutch) gives an overview of the possible socio-economic effects of GMOs. The Netherlands hopes that agreements can be reached in Europe about how the Government can properly take account of the socio-economic aspects of GMOs.