Transgenic Crops in the Argentinean Agriculture

Abstract

In 2001, Argentina ranked second among the countries growing transgenic crops, with a share of about 22% on the total world area. Measured in total hectarage, the introduction of transgenic crops in 2000–2001 grew by 18%, thus maintaining a consistent high adoption rate for five consecutive years (James, 2001). Though complex socio-economical causes could be mentioned to explain this process, it is clear that the existence of an appropriate regulatory frame played a critical role in this achievement. The initial steps to establish such a frame date from 1991, with the creation of the National Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology (CONABIA). Since then, CONABIA has been acting as a body of consultation and tecluncal support to the Secretary of Agriculture for the experimentation with genetically engineered organisms, establishing the rules and competences to develop field trials, and clearing a considerable number of new transgenic plant varieties for safe release into the local agro-ecosystem. CONABIA is composed by a permanent Secretariat and twenty members representing different technical expertices who have been elected by diverse organizations from the public and private sectors. Its membership acts on an ad honorem basis and decisions are taken by consensus.