Impacts of accelerating agricultural R&D transfer on global food security

Abstract

Postponing the adoption of genome editing (GE) is costly, with lengthy regulatory processes contributing to postponement. Accelerating agricultural research and development (R&D) transfer is important for stimulating sustainable agricultural transitions and enhancing global food security. Using the MAGNET model, we incorporate dynamic R&D accumulation and compare economic projections in scenarios with accelerated R&D transfer. We calculate the cost of delay (COD) from postponing GE adoption. The results show that accelerating R&D transfer in high-income countries impacts economic performance, welfare, and food affordability globally; the annuity of COD ranges from losses of -$1.1 billion (Brazil) to gains of $18.5 billion (Europe). A 3-year acceleration of R&D transfer in all countries benefits middle and low-income countries the most (e.g. China, India, other Asian countries, and Sub-Saharan African countries), with the annuity of COD ranging from -$4.8 billion (Brazil) to $83.9 billion (China). Therefore, streamlining the GE regulatory framework is essential for enhancing food security and global welfare.

Keywords
Agricultural R&D transfer, computable general equilibrium model, cost of delay, genome editing, global food security

Acknowledgements

Funded by the European Union, Horizon Europe [Grant Agreement No 101060075 BrightSpace and 101061015 GeneBEcon].

Cite this article

Jin, Y., Kristkova, Z. S., Kardung, M., & Wesseler, J. (2024). Impacts of accelerating agricultural R&D transfer on global food security. GM Crops & Food, 15(1), 1–12.
/ Available online 9 December 2024 /  https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2024.2438419 

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Project information

BrightSpace Horizon Europe project Grant Agreement No. 101060075
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101060075
CALL: Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the Green Deal
WORK PROGRAMME Topic ID: HORIZON-CL6-2021-GOVERNANCE-01-12 EU agriculture within a safe and just operating space and planetary boundaries

BrightSpace Project coordination: Wageningen Economic Research, The Hague, NL
Contact: brightspace.wecr@wur.nl | Website: www.brightspace-project.eu

Project duration: 1 November 2022 – 31 October 2027

Funding acknowledgement

BrightSpace is funded by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. 101060075. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.