Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Plants : International Harmonization and Related Issues *** DRAFT ***. Mackenzie, D., J., Nickson, T., E., Mclean, M., A., & Purcell, J., P. .
Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Plants : International Harmonization and Related Issues *** DRAFT *** [pdf]Paper  abstract   bibtex   
For more than 20 years, the application of modern biotechnology tools has enabled the production of plants with traits that might not have been possible through traditional breeding techniques. The use of recombinant-DNA (r-DNA) techniques theoretically affords the opportunity to move specific genes from any organism in nature into economically important plants. In the process, ultimately a few modified plants are selected from among hundreds to thousands of “events” based on desired properties for a particular use. Subsequently, the process of culling out undesirable plants and selecting the final plant for a desired use is the same regardless of the technique used to manufacture it. As such, scientific bodies reviewing the safety of r-DNA technology (modern biotechnology) have concluded that the potential environmental risks (e.g. adverse impact on protected species and habitats) are the same as those associated with conventionally bred plants.1 Stated differently, there is no evidence that the method used to produce a new crop variety (be it a product of conventional breeding, genetic engineering or both2) is as an effective predictor of the plant’s environmental impact. Today there is wide consensus that a science-based environmental safety evaluation focuses on the nature of the plant, the introduced trait, the likely receiving environment and the interactions among these.

Downloads: 0