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The number of countries cultivating genetically modified (GM) crops and the global area devoted to them is increasing, and so is the number of domestic and international regulatory frameworks governing GM crops and derived products. Introduction of GM crops in the agricultural supply chain is being linked worldwide to the concept of "coexistence" with non-GM crops, to ultimately provide consumers with freedom of choice. The term coexistence is now used internationally in scientific, market and regulatory discussions, often with different meanings and covering different stages of the agricultural supply chain.

Coexistence is about protecting farmers and all actors in the supply chain from the possible economic consequences of accidental mixing of GM and non-GM crops or derived products. Coexistence strategies need science-based technical measures and organisational changes that are economically feasible, with the aim to reduce admixtures at each step of the production chain to below various defined thresholds. The complexity of supply chains, the variability in labelling/traceability requirements and in GMO events authorised worldwide represent an added challenge for the design of practical coexistence strategies and best agricultural practices. This task involves scientists, policy-makers and the agricultural supply chain actors. In the long term, failure in achieving practical coexistence will impact diffusion of new technologies in agriculture and trade in agricultural products world-wide.

GMCC-07 will present the latest research in agronomic, biological and socio-economic sciences taking place worldwide to support feasible coexistence strategies between GM and non-GM agricultural supply chains. The conference is directed to the scientific community, supply chain actors and policy-makers to access the latest scientific results and identify future research needs with policy relevance. The scientific programme will be multidisciplinary covering research activities and practical experiences on the following areas:

• Gene flow in agricultural systems
• Strategies for coexistence and organizational measures across the supply chain
• Case studies of specific supply chains
• Socio-economics of coexistence
• Legal and policy issues
• Traceability and control of coexistence