La construction incomplète du marché européen des OGM

Une comparaison des cadres institutionnels européen et américain à partir de la théorie des droits de propriété

¹ Sciences Po
² INRA DARESE Services des Affaires européennes

^* thierry.hommel@sciences-po.org
^** egizio.valceschini@paris.inra.fr

Abstract

Based on a comparison of US and European legislation, this article analyses how the fact of taking into account scientific observations and potential uncertainties modifies both institutional frameworks and the possibilities of creating a market for goods – in this case, genetically-modified seeds. In Europe the conditions for the creation of a transgenic seed market, as defined by the ‘property rights school’, are not met. The article shows that the differences in dissemination between Europe and the US stem from the way in which these goods are characterized in the respective regulations. Whereas in the US GMOs are still not a category in its own right and do not require the creation of a specific market, in Europe the fact of considering them as innovative goods with uncertain characteristics complicates the definition of property rights concerning them. The situation may nevertheless evolve in the US and move closer to the European model.