Co-existence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming.

What has the co-existence of GM and non-GM crops to do with environmental biosafety? A clear distinction has to be made between the economic aspects of co-existence and the environmental and health aspects of GMOs. Nevertheless, since both the co-existence and the biosafety areas are often based on the same scientific knowledge (e.g. regarding gene flow) and EBR is interested in the socio-economic impact of GMO use as well, EBR is open for reflections on co-existence of GM and non-GM crops. The cultivation of authorized GM crops will have an impact on agricultural production. It raises the question of how to manage the adventitious mixing of GM and non-GM crops as well as the possible economic consequences, at least in Europe. Farmers should be able to cultivate the crops they choose, be it GM, conventional or organic crops. The ability of the agricultural sector to maintain different production systems is fundamental for providing a high degree of consumer choice.