[20041104]RS21620_北美转基因小麦的现状.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21620Updated November 4, 2004Status of Genetically Engineered Wheat inNorth AmericaGwenell L. Waters BassAnalyst in Industrial Organization and Corporate FinanceResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryGenetically engineered (GE) wheat varieties developed by the biotech industry anduniversity researchers hold considerable promise for producers. GE wheat developedby chemical company Monsanto is engineered to resist damage from the widely usedRoundup Ready (RR) herbicide, making it easier for farmers to control weeds. Thedevelopment of GE wheat raises issues of market acceptance and agronomicmanagement. Market acceptance of GE wheat focuses on its direct acceptance byconsumers, either segregated or when co-mingled with non-GE or conventional wheat.Most research suggests GE foods are safe to eat; however, uncertainty about health andenvironmental effects has led to public opposition particularly in Europe and Japan.This is of great concern to U.S. wheat producers because the United States exports morethan half of its wheat production. Producers are concerned as