Market effects of information requirements under the Biosafety Protocol

This paper assesses the global economic implications of the proposed strict documentation requirements on traded shipments of potentially genetically modified (GM) commodities under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Using a spatial equilibrium model with 80 maize and 53 soybean trading countries, we show that information requirements would have a significant effect on the world market for maize and soybeans, distorting trade and generating welfare losses for all Protocol members and for non-members that produce GM maize and/or soybeans. While non-GM producers in Protocol member countries would benefit, the regulation would negatively impact consumers and producers in many developing countries.