Pharmaceutical crops

Biopharming is a recent trend in agricultural biotechnology. Plants are genetically modified to produce antibodies, vaccines, or (bio)pharmaceuticals. Many consider biopharming an attractive alternative to conventional methods to produce pharmaceuticals. Large numbers of people – producers, consumers/patients, farmers – may profit, here as well as in the Third World. Biopharming is expected to provide higher yields at lower costs, building on existing agricultural expertise. The foremost objection to biopharming is the potential danger of contamination of the food chain of humans and animals and outcrossing to food or fodder crops. When biopharming is admitted in Europe, COGEM calls for a strictly regulated supply chain separation. General statements about the potential risks of biopharming are impossible. COGEM therefore advises a case-by-case approach in the scientific risk assessment. For reasons of risk management COGEM recommends, contrary to the US example, that food or fodder crops should not be chosen for pharmaceutical production. The incorporation of external characteristics may help to prevent the unintended consumption of pharmaceutical crops. The present legislation on genetically modified crops with respect to the safety of food, fodder and the environment, is sufficient to guarantee the safety of both humans and the environment. COGEM points out that any contamination of the food chain with pharmaceuticals, even if the safety and health of humans and animals is not threatened, is likely to damage public support for biopharming. This enforces the argument for a strict supply chain separation.