The market structure of genetically modified crops around the world and socio-economic assessment

In the 22nd year of commercial production, GM crops are cultivated about 12% of 1,5 billion hectares of arable land on the world. To classify this crops in terms of traits in 2016; 47% HT (herbicide tolerant), 12% Bt (insect resistant) and 41% stacked traits and in terms of species; soybean (50%), maize (22%), cotton (12%), canola (5%) and other species (11%). Through the applications of genetic engineering, in addition to traits gained by currently available GM crops, in the near future crop species which planned to be produced are; more suitable for industrial production, cabaple to produce important inputs for the pharmaceutical industry, biofortified and increased resistance to; difficult climate conditions such as drought, environmental stress factors such as salinity and unsuitable pH conditions and different pathogens. GM crops that are cultivated nowadays are mentioned in several studies which have benefits to farmers and the countries that produce these products. The advantages and potential benefits of these products are explained detailedly in the studies that consider socioeconomic status and sustainability. However, it is not possible to say that GM crops are accepted by the public. Ambiguities about the field, prejudices and concerns related to possible risk factors may be the main reasons of this cautious attitude. Risk reports related to GM crops also emphasize to conduct empirical studies about the effects of these crops on human health and ecosystem. To obtain benefit from the potential of these products which are particularly said to be beneficial for feeding the world and production of alternative energy sources in the future, it is important to make research and development studies (r&d) for health, biosafety and sustainability in collaboration with specialists before cultivation