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(57-04) Triple bottom line approach for risk-benefit analysis of genetically modified crops. Van Hooft, W.F.*,1, De Snoo, G.R.1, Udo de Haes, H.A.1, 1 Centre of Environmental Science (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, /, The Netherlands ABSTRACT- Currently, genetically modified (GM) crops receive a lot of media attention. The debate on GM crops is highly polarized between pro- and anti-biotechnology groups. However, often the debate is based more on emotional arguments than on scientific facts. Furthermore, the arguments for and against GM crops lead to confusion rather than enlightenment. With a triple bottom line approach (division in environmental, economic and social aspects) the risks and benefits of GM crops can be weighed relative to one another in a transparent manner. We have made an overview of the various potential benefits and risks on environmental, economic and social aspects reported in literature. Subsequently, we investigated to what extent these claimed benefits and risks are currently observed. As a first step we analyzed the environmental aspects. We made a distinction between expectations on basis of scientific theory, observations in the laboratory, observations in experimental field plots and observations in commercial farmings Key words: GMO, triple bottom line, risk-benefit analysis |
