What non-target organisms or cropping systems may be affected by the trait inserted into the new GM variety?
GM Crop Risk Assessment Assignment — 2024
Scenario (Hypothetical): Possible future changes in EU legislation might permit the cultivation of a number of crop varieties from breeding programmes that utilise genetic modification techniques. The Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has therefore asked you to complete an initial environmental risk assessment to assess the likely use of one of the potentially approved varieties in Irish cropping systems.
Note: The above legislative situation is hypothetical; it is not currently the case.
Your Task: You are asked to choose one of the below 3 hypothetical GM crops. Create a report that summarises the literature and data on:
(i) the use of the crop in conventional (i.e. non-GM) form to Irish agriculture
(ii) the target organism of the selected GM variety and its relevance to the limitations experienced in the conventional cropping system
(iii) the likelihood of the GM crops’ growth impacting non-target organisms
(iv) actions the authorities could use to manage any detailed risks
Step 1: Choose ONE of the following crops to conduct your assessment on:
Step 2: Prepare a report consisting of the following sections.
- Describe the role the cultivation of these conventional crops have in Irish agriculture.
- What is the target organism of the GM crop? Does this correspond to a significant issue in the conventional crop’s management in Ireland?
- What non-target organisms or cropping systems may be affected by the trait inserted into the new GM variety?
- What is the likelihood of pollen or seed-mediated gene flow from this crop?
- Can the risks of non-target effects or gene flow be managed through crop management?
- What are the primary messages you would communicate about the risks associated with these crops to Irish agriculture?
