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.

‘Rust, Resistance, Run Down Soils, and Rising Costs – Problems Facing Soybean Producers in Argentina’

Signs of trouble are now emerging and the ‘honeymoon period’ for GM crops is coming to a close both in the US and in Argentina. […]

Argentina: The Track Record of GMOs

A summary of how the promises of GM crops to Argentinian farmers are not fulfilled. […]

Bt Cotton in Andhra Pradesh

A three-year study of the impact of Bt cotton in Andhra Pradesh in India by the Deccan Development Society and the AP Coalition in Defence of Diversity. […]

Towards a New Ethics of Science

The author examines the social control of science, the nature of the science driving genetic engineering, and the relationship of science to society. She argues that there is an urgent need to reinstate independent science. […]

Risk Assessment of GMO Products in the EU (Summary in Chinese)

This is a first detailed review of a number of applications submitted and approved at the European level, and which are still contested by a number of Member States in the EU. […]

Risk Assessment of GMO Products in the EU

This is a first detailed review of a number of applications submitted and approved at the European level, and which are still contested by a number of Member States in the EU. […]

Genetically modified crops – Christian Aid’s concerns

Christian Aid lists its concern about genetic engineering in developing countries. […]

Gene Flow from Transgenic Crops

This is a study on the gene flow from trangenic oilseed rape to related species, in this case, wild radish. […]

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and Food Aid

Lim Li Ching discusses the link between the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety and food aid with special emphasis to Africa. […]

Biotechnology: Continuing Hype?

Governments everywhere are busy courting the biotechnology industry to set up companies on their home ground. As Chee Yoke Heong explains, there is little basis for this sanguine view about the economic prospects of the biotech industry. […]