Coexistence of biotech, organic, and conventional crops: Facts, issues, and a path forward

Abstract

Coexistence raises complex management, policy, economic, and consumer issues. Jaffe postulates that coexistence “embodies the idea that consumers should be able to get the products they want.” It is a complex issue and it predates GE crops. It is important to understand the functional meaning of the term coexistence in the current context of biotech, organic, and conventionally produced crops. Coexistence only involves relationships within a specific, legally approved crop plant that can be produced by different farming practices and for different uses “with a specific market goal.” Most controversy today concerns the coexistence of biotech crops with conventional or organically produced crops.