Potential adoption and management of insect-resistant potato in Peru, and implications for genetically engineered potato
Jasper Buijs, Marianne Martinet, Felipe de Mendiburu and Marc Ghislain
International Potato Center (CIP), Apartado 1558, Lima 12, Peru
(Received May 4, 2005; accepted January 17, 2006; published online: 16 March 2006)

Abstract
This paper analyzes some important issues surrounding possible deployment of genetically engineered (GE) insect-resistant potato in Peru, based on a large farmer survey held in Peru in 2003. We found that the formal seed system plays a limited role compared with the informal seed system, especially for smallholder farmers. Although 97% of smallholder farmers would buy seed of an insect-resistant variety, a majority would buy it only once every 2 to 4 years. Survey data show that farmers would be willing to pay a premium of 50% on seed cost for insect resistant varieties. Paying price premiums of 25% to 50%, farmers would still increase their net income, assuming insect resistance is high and pesticide use will be strongly reduced. Of all farmers, 55% indicated preference for insect-resistant potato in varieties other than their current varieties. The survey indicates that smallholder farmers are interested to experiment with new varieties and have a positive perception of improved varieties. Based on these findings, and considering the difficulties implementing existing biosafety regulatory systems such as those in place in the U.S. and E.U., we propose to develop a variety-based segregation system to separate GE from conventionally bred potatoes. In such a system, which would embrace the spread of GE potatoes through informal seed systems, only a limited number of sterile varieties would be introduced that are easily distinguishable from conventional varieties.

© ISBR, EDP Sciences 2006
Source: http://www.edpsciences.org/10.1051/ebr:2006002

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RELATED ARTICLE FROM CropBiotech Update

Andean farmers ready for GM potato, paper finds

Potato production in Peru is affected by a high number of pests and diseases, all of which result in low yields or extensive use of pesticides. Is it time for genetically modified (GM) potatoes to enter the scene? Jasper Buijs and colleagues of the International Potato Center (CIP), Peru, report on the “Potential adoption and management of insect-resistant potato in Peru, and implications for genetically engineered potato” in a recent issue of Environmental Biosafety Research, where they survey farmers in Peru’s major potato producing areas and use their data to analyze important issues surrounding the possible adoption of the GM crop in the country.

According to the survey, farmers considered insect damage (mainly duet to Andean potato weevil and potato tuber moth) the biggest constraint to potato cultivation. In addition, the team reports:

1. 97% of smallholder farmers would be willing to pay more for an insect-resistant potato variety, although a majority would buy it only once every 2-4 years; 
2. Farmers would be willing to pay a premium of 50% on seed cost for insect resistant potatoes, which would still increase their net income, assuming insect resistance is high and pesticide use is strongly reduced; 
3. 55% of farmers indicated preference for insect-resistant potato over their current varieties;
4. 68% of farmers would not always be able to sow insect-resistant varieties next to one of their current susceptible varieties; and
5. 89% stated that they could refrain from mixing insect-resistant lines with conventional varieties.

The survey, the authors write, indicates that smallholder farmers in Peru are interested in new varieties, and have a positive perception of improved varieties. The authors propose that a variety-based segregation scheme be developed to separate GM from conventionally-bred potatoes. They also advise that a two-gene approach be used to engineer GM potatoes; and that male-sterile lines be used to control of gene flow without preventing farmers from multiplying their own planting materials clonally.