Have you ever heard someone suggest that biotech crops are dangerous because they are unregulated, untested, and unknown? Then consider this…
Before a new genetically modified crop is brought to market, there is a considerable regulatory hurdle that must be passed first. According to GMO Answers:
A survey completed in 2011 found the cost of discovery, development and authorization of a new plant biotechnology trait introduced between 2008 and 2012 was $136 million. On average, about 26 percent of those costs ($35.1 million) were incurred as part of the regulatory testing and registration process. The same study found that the average time from initiation of a discovery project to commercial launch is about 13 years. The longest phase of product development is regulatory science and registration activities, at about 5.5 years for traits introduced in 2011.
Far from these crops being thrown into the environment without any concern about their ultimate impact, a significant number of testing, regulatory testing, and registration takes place.
I just wanted to say I’ve been reading your blog for several months and plan to continue doing so. At the end of January, I applied for a job in the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Hoping to at least score an interview with them.
That’s awesome! Good luck! Let me know if you get it! 🙂
Unfortunately, I haven’t heard from them. I think they would have contacted me by now. It’s very tough to get an interview for a State job, even more difficult to get hired. Too many people apply for two few openings.
Bummer. :-/ Send a follow-up email. Can’t hurt.
In Canada one of the requirements of any new variety is that it must offer some improved benefit over existing varieties, such as better protein profile, disease resistance, or yield, only 3 examples of many possibilities.