Empirical Analysis of Co-Existence in Commodity Supply Chains

In this chapter, we analyse the organization of different supply chains and identify sensitive points and processes with respect to GMO and non-GMO admixture. We also study traceability measures. The analysis looks at seven commodity supply chains in countries both inside and outside the EU: soybean, maize, sugar beet, rapeseed, wheat, fresh tomato, and potatoes. The empirical analysis of coexistence was derived from supply chain analysis and stakeholder interviews. We briefly outline the methodology and clearly define segregation, identity preservation, and traceability. Strategies to cope with supply chain coexistence can be adapted from existing traceability and segregation systems in other domains. Therefore, we describe and compare several relevant case studies: Flint maize in Argentina, non-GM maize for starch production in France, and soybean production and use in chicken feed in Argentina and Brazil. We discuss different tools and prerequisites, strengths, and weaknesses of the alternate strategies that can be used to cope with coexistence. Furthermore, we highlight the differences between strategies adopted by the food and feed supply chains.