Despite continued adoption of GMO crops worldwide for more than 25 years, there continues to be significant differences in import-approval and market labeling policies for genetically modified food across countries. This creates trade barriers and impacts innovation. Regulatory harmonization and the adoption of the same technical requirements, standards and guidelines for quality, safety, and efficacy, would reduce product development costs and timelines. It is suggested that in addition to reducing trade barriers, regulatory harmonization would enable developing countries and public sector developers to more fully participate in a growing market.

Post-pandemic economic growth will be crucial for all economies. Renewed investment confidence may take time, therefore, one key economic growth strategy for national governments is to reduce regulatory inefficiencies. The harmonization of regulations has proven crucial to the rapid domestic approval of the various Covid-19 vaccines, illustrating the economic and human health benefits of regulatory harmonization. Food security can similarly benefit, should the will exist to reduce existing barriers.

This panel brought together experts from government, academia, and trade associations to explore the notion of regulatory alignment as a way of minimizing redundancy or conflicting standards within the global system, with the goal of enhancing food security and social, economic, and environmental innovation.


Date: May 4th 10:00AM EST


Moderator: Stuart Smyth

Speakers:
• Laurie Goodwin, CropLife International
• Matin Qaim, University of Goettingen, Germany, The Costs of Lost Innovations
• Dalia Marcela Lewi, Argentine Ministry of Agriculture, Gene editing in Argentina
• Jose Falck-Zepeda, International Food Policy Research Institute

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