Information Policy and Genetically Modified Food: Weighing The Benefits and Costs

University of Massachusetts, Amherst Resource Economics Working Paper No. 2003-1

24 Pages Posted: 21 Apr 2003

See all articles by Mario F. Teisl

Mario F. Teisl

University of Maine - Department of Resource Economics and Policy

Julie A. Caswell

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Date Written: February 2003

Abstract

The labeling of genetically modified foods (GMFs) is the topic of a debate that could dramatically alter the structure of the U.S. and international food industry. The current lack of harmonization of policy across countries makes GMF labeling an international trade issue. The U.S. and Canada do not require GMFs to be labeled unless the GMF is significantly different than the conventional food or the GMF presents a health concern. However, many other countries are requiring GMFs to be labeled. This paper discusses empirical work on the sources and magnitude of benefits and costs from labeling programs, with particular emphasis on the impact of the design of the labeling program on benefits and costs.

Keywords: GMOs, biotechnology, labeling, benefits, costs

JEL Classification: F1, L5, Q10

Suggested Citation

Teisl, Mario F. and Caswell, Julie A., Information Policy and Genetically Modified Food: Weighing The Benefits and Costs (February 2003). University of Massachusetts, Amherst Resource Economics Working Paper No. 2003-1, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=387240 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.387240

Mario F. Teisl (Contact Author)

University of Maine - Department of Resource Economics and Policy ( email )

200 Winslow Hall
Orno, ME 04469-5782
United States
207-581-3162 (Phone)
207-581-4278 (Fax)

Julie A. Caswell

University of Massachusetts, Amherst ( email )

Stockbridge Hall
80 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9246
United States
413-545-5735 (Phone)

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