The ambivalent regulator: the construction of a regulatory style for genetically modified crops in Chile

After decades of commercialization, genetically modified (GM) crops continue to generate controversy. Countries have developed different GM regulatory styles based on their risk frames, institutional arrangements, and participation modes. Our objective was to understand the development of Chile’s unique regulatory style. We reconstructed the use and regulatory evolution of the technology, identified key actors in the controversy, and compared Chile with other approaches. Chile’s style is ambivalent: restricting commercial use to seed-export but permissive in other domains. This approach reflects a market-caution framing of the issue focused on developing a promising agriculture sub-sector. Thus, Chile became a southern seed nursery for the GM industry. Opponents responded by framing their concerns around a basic demand for public information and transparency. Our case illustrates the challenges and relevance of discussing new technologies in emerging democracies. Access to information, early debates and greater transparency are key to evaluate new technologies in these contexts.