Biosafety and Trade

The Biosafety Protocol is an international agreement that regulates international trade in genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Since it entered into force in 2003, governments and communities have been developing laws and policies to implement the Biosafety Protocol at the national level. Some issues - such as liability and redress for damage caused by trade in GMOs or the labelling of traded GMOs and GM products - are still on the international negotiating table.

Together with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), FIELD is undertaking research on matters relevant to implementation and further negotiations under the Biosafety Protocol. In particular, we are investigating the impact of domestic legal mechanisms regulating aspects of production and trade in GM products on the livelihoods of poorer farmers and communities. We are also examining how the new EU regulation on labelling and traceability of GMOs will affect the market access of GMO-free producers in developing countries. In addition, we are undertaking research on the impact of intellectual property provisions in bilateral trade agreements on the livelihoods of marginal and organic farmers. Our analysis will be shared with governments and non-governmental organisations currently engaged in law and policy development around GM issues.