The Economics of Organic and GMO Farming Systems (in the US): Interactions and How They Might Co-exist

The objective of this paper is to shed new light on the economiceffects of GM agriculture on organic agriculture and their co-existence inthe United States over 1996-2012. To do this, we first describe organic andGM farming systems, regulation, labeling, trends in production and consumerdemand. Then, we turn to a discussion of the economic impacts of GMagriculture on organic agriculture and the more sensitive issue of peacefulco-existence. We discuss adventitious presence; segregation, coordination andidentity preservation; spillovers and legal issues, insurance againstuncertain events and local voting on local production methods. We alsoidentify and examine some of the concerns raised by organic farmers abouthardships placed on them by GM agriculture and the realities of the marketfor seed, food and feed. The likely evolution of these farming systems underalterative policies are identified and evaluated.