The document discusses regulatory challenges surrounding transgenic cotton in Argentina and China. In Argentina, regulations have squeezed out small farmers by narrowing options, benefiting large commercial farms. In China, an explosion of seed company options has not empowered farmers to make real choices due to counterfeiting and inaccurate labeling. Both countries have used regulatory flexibilities but face implementation challenges as smaller farmer realities fall outside regulatory scope. New approaches are being explored, but the roles of regulators, public research, and civil society require consideration in designing effective regulations.

1. Regulatory harmonization: lessons from comparative studies of the design and implementation of biotechnology regulations in different national contexts Patrick van Zwanenberg STEPS Centre Email: [email_address]