Project Summary

The research project aims to assess the multifaceted impacts of genetically modified (GM) organism regulations. The overarching goal is to provide novel insights into the economic consequences of such regulations across four critical dimensions. Firstly, we will examine technology adoption, agricultural productivity, and welfare in the context of GM regulations. We will develop a new quantitative trade model that offers a precise tool for measuring the influence of these barriers on critical agricultural outcomes. Secondly, we will use advanced machine-learning techniques to uncover the complex economic, social, and political determinants shaping GM regulations and provide valuable insights into agricultural trade policy forces. Thirdly, we will assess the impact on international trade, delving into trade barriers, market access, and trade disputes to uncover how GM regulations shape global agricultural trade patterns and influence economies worldwide. Fourthly, our research will provide evidence on the economic welfare and food security implications of GM market barriers. We will quantify economic welfare effects, revealing gains and losses for U.S. agriculture in diverse markets over time. Our project will also examine the multifaceted impact of GM regulations on food security, including availability, access, stability, and utilization. Therefore, this research will provide a comprehensive, data-driven perspective on GM adoption, border regulations, agricultural trade, economic welfare, and food security. These results will inform policymaking, promote international cooperation, establish a solid foundation for understanding GM market barriers, and foster a deeper understanding of the complex trade-offs associated with GM regulations on a global scale.