Assessment & Impacts

Principles and Approaches Genetic interactions in ecosystems are more dynamic and complex than acknowledged so far. Genetic change and genetic exchange phenomena seem to occur more frequently in nature than in laboratories, and may be regulated by unknown environmental factors. Local environmental conditions and chemical contaminants (pesticides and other xenobiotics), that will undoubtedly vary in concentrations and combinations between different locations are examples of such environmental factors. These may have impacts on the extent of horizontal gene transfer, and on how modified genes are expressed and affect the recipient organisms. Consequently, it is important to establish model systems in the laboratory, which mimic the ecological interactions and complexity of the real world.

Basis for risk assessment and management:
Risk and probability are not the same. Risk can be defined as the probability of an occurrence of an incident or phenomenon, multiplied by the consequences arising therefrom, if it occurs. At this moment we know little about both probability and consequences in relation to putative health and environmental effects of many genetic engineering applications.

Horizontal gene transfer: Horizontal gene transfer signifies a non-sexual transmission of genetic information within or between species. The phenomenon is common in nature, but our knowledge concerning ecological processes promoting such events and barriers prohibiting them is scanty.

Socio-economic considerations: The impact of genetically modified organisms goes beyond ecological and health dimensions. They have profound impact on society, including livelihoods, production systems, trade, culture and ethics.

The Myth of Coexistence: Why Transgenic Crops Are Not Compatible With Agroecologically Based Systems of Production

The coexistence of GM crops and non-GM crops is a myth because the movement of transgenes beyond their intended destinations is a certainty, and this leads to genetic contamination of organic farms and other systems. […]

Transgenic Crops: Implications for Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture

The potential for GM crops to threaten biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture is substantial, contends the author. […]

Impossible Coexistence

Seven years of GMOs have contaminated organic and conventional maize in Spain. The report examines two cases in the regions of Aragón and Catalonia. […]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmers’ Health

This is a report on the health situation of Bt cotton growing farmers in Madhya Pradesh, India following complaints of allergenic reactions among farmers growing GM cotton. […]

GM Contamination Report 2005

This report is the first from the on-line GM Contamination Register and reviews cases reported of contamination, illegal plantings and releases of GM organisms, and negative agricultural side-effects of GMOs. […]

Caring for Life: Genetics, Agriculture and Human Life

This is a discussion-document by the Working Group on Genetic Engineering of the Justice, Peace and Creation Team of the World Council of Churches. It discusses the implications of genetic engineering on human life and agriculture. […]

Effects of Diets Containing Genetically Modified Potatoes Expressing Galanthus Nivalis Lectin on Rat Small Intestine

Diets containing GM potatoes expressing the lectin Galanthus nivalis agglutinin had variable effects on different parts of the rat gastrointestinal tract. […]

In Vivo Studies on Possible Health Consequences of Genetically Modified Food and Feed – With Particular Regard to Ingredients Consisting of Genetically Modified Plant Materials

This synopsis reviews published in vivo studies on possible health consequences of genetically modified food and feed where the ingredients in question have consisted of genetically modified plant materials. […]

Contamination of refuges by Bacillus thuringiensis toxin genes from transgenic maize

Te authors report that pollen-mediated gene flow up to 31 m from Bt maize caused low to moderate Bt toxin levels in kernels of non-Bt maize refuge plants. […]

Argentina’s Bitter Harvest

When genetically modified soya came on the scene it seemed like a heaven-sent solution to Argentina’s agricultural problems. Now soya is being blamed for an environmental crisis that is threatening the country’s fragile economic recovery. Sue Branford d […]