Future pipeline of GMOs in the European Union

This paper analyses the future pipeline of agricultural GMOs in the EU. For this purpose a methodological set was used, consisting of reviewing scientific literature and reports, analysis of databases on field trials and product approvals with GMOs, a questionnaire-based survey as well as expert interviews in the EU. 80 % of the identified GMO-related projects in the laboratory phase are carried out in GM plants with a huge variety of crops and traits tested. More than 60 % of these projects are carried out by public research institutions often focussing on activities in an early stage of development. In the field trial phase, large multinational companies are responsible for 65 % of the field trial notifications, mainly focussing on the modification of resistance traits in major agricultural crops in the EU (maize, oilseed rape, sugar beet). The uncertain legal situation related to GMOs, unclear implementation and control schemes as well as uncertain market perspectives due to limited consumer and user acceptance of GMOs are regarded as major constraints for future commercialisation of such products in the EU. Based on the current phase of development, three groups of agricultural GM products are defined with differing time perspectives for potential commercialisation. Finally, the paper derives conclusions for policy activities as well as further research needs.