An Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis of GM Crop Cultivation : An Irish Case Study

Abstract

Presently, no genetically modified (GM) crops are cultivated in Ireland. It is anticipated, however, that the introduction of coexistence guidelines could encourage the uptake of certain GM varieties. The objective of this research was to comparatively assess the costs and benefits of that uptake through the selection of five hypothetical GM crops. The research reports that the economic performance of the technology varies significantly between crops and traits. When disease pressure and/or weed concentration is high, it is predicted that specific GM crops will economically outperform conventional crops, based on the cost of chemicals and their application.