Biosafety report 2014/02

The Case of Intacta^TM Roundup Ready^TM 2 Pro Soybean Farming in Brazil in light of the Norwegian Gene Technology Act

Author: Georgina Catacora-Vargas, GenØk – Centre for Biosafety

Report abstract

This report seeks to contribute to the operationalization of the concepts of “sustainable development”, “societal benefits” and “ethical justifiability” of the Norwegian Gene Technology Act. In order to achieve this, the report addresses the questions surrounding the sustainability of herbicide-tolerant crops identified by the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board. The report uses the case of Intacta^TM Roundup Ready^TM 2Pro—a genetically modified stacked crop–used in Brazilian agriculture. This report summarizes, consolidates and contrasts the information provided by the dossier on the environmental and food biosafety of Intacta^TM Roundup Ready^TM 2Pro submitted by the applicant to the Brazilian authorities, as well as different findings reported by relevant empirical studies. The compiled information is organized in two sections. The first part addresses ecological aspects of the genetically modified herbicide tolerant plant and its related herbicide (glyphosate and related commercial formulations). The second section describes social and economic issues. Of particular importance, the report contrasts the applicant´s conclusions regarding the absence of adverse effects against the literature’s findings on the existence of an array of possible harmful impacts. Given the current emphasis on types of production systems, the set of indicators used, and the focus on specific characteristics of herbicide tolerant crops, it can be recognized that the current state of knowledge on the sustainability of herbicide tolerant crops is incomplete.

Download pdf

Catacora-Vargas G. (2014). Sustainability Assessment of Genetically Modified Herbicide Tolerant Crops. The Case of Intacta^TM Roundup Ready^TM 2 Pro Soybean Farming in Brazil in light of the Norwegian Gene Technology Act. Biosafety Report 2014/02. Tromsø, GenØk–Centre for Biosafety.

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