In this paper we assess the benefits and costs of introducing biologically
contained genetically modified (GM) crops, with an application to the potential
introduction of GM tomatoes and eggplants in Italy and Spain. Such crops possess both the
standard beneficial GM traits, and they prevent introgression of transgenes from GM crops
to their conventional or wild relatives, thereby adding to the safety of their cultivation. As a
result, coexistence regulations for these crops are less stringent than for crops without
biological containment. The potential adoption of biologically contained GM tomatoes and
eggplants is assessed in a cost-benefit framework for Italy and Spain. We conclude that
biological containment has considerable potential benefits if policy makers are willing to
loosen the restrictions on the introduction of these varieties.