Ex-ante Impact Assessment of GM-Papaya Adoption in Thailand.

Abstract

Despite the evidences of benefits from GM papayas adoption in other countries, concerns over the loss of export markets and health and environmental risks have led to great uncertainty and indecision about policies to support biotechnology in Thailand. Since 2001, field trials have been banned and the use of transgenic plants for production, consumption, or commercialization has been prohibited, but this ban is currently being reconsidered. This study estimates what the economic impact of the adoption of GM papaya would be if Thailand were to authorize the use of transgenic technology. We find that papaya farmers will benefit significantly from improved yields and even with no cost reduction.GM papaya, ex-ante assessment, Thailand