Regional focus on GM crop regulation.

THE RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE DEVELopments in Brazil, China, and Mexico (1–3) demonstrates their emergence as the future developing country forerunners for commercial genetically modified (GM) crops in both the scientific and regulatory arena. The release of GM crops in these countries might result in the unintentional entry of GM seeds into neighboring countries that have not yet harnessed the technology and implemented sufficient regulatory systems. Unregulated “genetic contamination” of areas intended for growing GM-free or organic products, perhaps for export, could be potentially devastating for some neighboring economies and could set a negative example in the international efforts for the safe use of GM crops.” Should Brazil, China, or Mexico decide to allow the commercial release of GM crops,