Agricultural biotechnology and environmental discourse: An evaluation of the environmental regulatory framework and policy process for insecticidal transgenic-Bacillus thurigiensis-corn in the United States, Germany, and Mexico

This study characterized the transgenic Bt-corn policy and regulatory framework in the United States (U.S.), Germany, and Mexico. Critical areas that were examined included: (1) government policies dictating how transgenic Bt-corn is managed from production to release; and (2) regulatory mechanisms that ensure the safe use of Bt -corn. Transgenic Bt-corn was studied due to: (1) its successful introduction for commercial use; and, (2) its role as the subject of debate regarding perceived environmental impacts. Factors such as the U.S. coordinated framework for biotechnology, Germany's approach to genetically modified organism regulation as a member of the European Union (EU), and Mexico's status as the center of origin and diversity for corn were reasons for selecting these three countries.; Country policy options for legislative, regulatory, and regulatory transparency decision support criteria were compared. The U.S. emphasis on product-oriented decision making is consistent with administrative rationalism. Germany and Mexico emphasize process-oriented regulatory decision making as evidenced through their support for mandatory labeling on GMO-derived foods. Such regulatory positions are consistent with ecological modernization.; Country policy and regulatory approaches were characterized according to the environmental discourses: problem solving and, the quest for sustainability. Regulatory and policy details for each country were determined through a review of the laws, statutes, legal framework, directives, regulations, and supporting documentary material. Interview summaries from individuals representing regulatory, policy, science, and industry sectors charged with transgenic Bt corn development and release were included in the this study. The evaluation found that the U.S. is characteristic of the problem solving discourses, particularly with regard to administrative rationalism and democratic pragmatism. The U.S. approach emphasizes expertise and regulatory agencies to ensure effective management of Bt corn impact on the environment.; Germany and Mexico were more closely associated with the quest for sustainability discourses due to the emphasis of those discourses on sustainable development, ecological modernization, and regulatory approaches that embrace the precautionary principle. As a EU Member State, Germany is part of a multi-lateral decision making process that favors traceability and mandatory labeling for all genetically modified products. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...