Introduction

Abstract

This introductory chapter first identifies those features of the genetically modified organism (GMO) sector that render it a distinct object of legal and institutional focus compared with other technological areas. Its particularities relate to its scientific basis, the nature of its potential risks, and the socio-economic debates that have been developed in relation to the interpretation of the relevant technical data. The private nature of biosafety research, together with the persisting divergences among those opposing and supporting the commercial development of agricultural biotechnology, constitute some further novelties of this field. In light of the special features of this rapidly developing sector, law is expected to serve multiple purposes. Among these, the most important are the control and management of the potential environmental risks, the creation of favourable conditions for the commercialisation of genetic engineering products, and the establishment of public trust in the efforts of the European Union (EU) to assess and control the potential effects of this open-field application of modern biotechnology.