Case study in benefits and risks of agricultural biotechnology: Roundup Ready soybeans.

Abstract

This case study describes the US regulatory process governing agricultural biotechnology and traces the approval of Roundup Ready soyabeans (with transgenic tolerance of the herbicide glyphosate), summarizing the information that was submitted to US regulatory agencies by Monsanto. Estimates of the impact that the adoption of Roundup Ready soyabeans has had on US agriculture are also provided. The US regulatory structure for agricultural biotechnology has evolved over the past 25 years, as technology allowing for genetic modification developed. The system continues to evolve as new and different applications of the technology emerge. In reviewing the studies that were conducted on the safety of Roundup Ready soyabeans, no indication of greater health or environmental risks were found compared with conventional varieties. The benefits of the introduction of Roundup Ready soyabeans include cost savings of US$216 million in annual weed control and 19 million fewer soyabean herbicide applications per year.