---

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what published research she has assessed on the (a) persistence and (b) invasiveness of (i) GM herbicide tolerant and (ii) other crops in disturbed habitats where herbicides and fertilisers are used; and what research she has commissioned on this subject. [136063] Mr. Morley: When assessing the potential impact of the release of a GM crop in England the Department is advised by an independent statutory expert body, the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). In considering each case, ACRE will take account of all available relevant information on the implications of the proposed release. A large body of research has been published on the persistence and invasiveness of GM (and non-GM) crops and weeds in disturbed, improved and tilled land. This includes Government-commissioned work and work conducted independently of Government. The body of literature was recently reviewed by the GM Science Review Panel as part of the GM Dialogue, and their final report is available at www.gmsciencedebate.org.uk. Section 6.2 of that report specifically refers to the potential persistence and invasiveness of GM crops. This report has been made available to ACRE. Details of all Defra-commissioned GMO related research work are available on our website at www. defra.gov.uk/environment/gm/research. This includes details of completed projects and links to download or order any published reports. Several of these include a consideration of persistence and invasiveness, including: `Environmental Risks of Herbicide-Tolerant Oilseed Rape' (March 1999); `Investigation of Feral Oilseed Rape Populations' (February 1999); `Monitoring largescale releases of genetically modified crops, incorporating report on project EPG 1/5/30: monitoring releases of genetically modified crop plants' (December 2002); `Consequences for agriculture of the introduction of GM crops' (October 2003). A further project investigating aspects of persistence of oilseed rape is currently underway entitled `Factors affecting cross- pollination in oilseed rape varieties, particularly of low male fertility, growing under typical UK conditions' and due to be completed in 2006.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

136063; 412 c560-1W;412 c566-7W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Crops Genetically modified organisms Pesticides Research Weedkillers

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk