Journal or Publishing Institution: Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Author(s): Heinemann, J.A.
Article Type: Report
Record ID: 952
Abstract: At its Ninth Session, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture “recognized the need to go ahead with the Draft Code of Conduct on Biotechnology as it relates to Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, with the aim to maximize the positive effects of biotechnologies and minimize any potential negative effects or risks (…)”. At its Tenth Session, when considering the Document, Progress on the Draft Code of Conduct on Biotechnology as it Relates to Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: policy issues, gaps and duplications, Members of the Commission identified amongst others the field of “GMO gene flow and the question of liability” as one of the most appropriate for further work and decided that it should be taken into consideration when designing the Commission’s Multi-Year Programme of Work. This background study paper gives an overview of current research regarding the full range of possible effects of transgene flow on human health, the environment, the various stakeholders in the food and feed production chain and on the in situ and ex situ conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The study further describes responses that governments and/or stakeholders have made, or which could be envisioned, in order to address some or all of these effects. This background study paper considers transgene flow according to the effects it may have, as the basis for an objective evaluation of transgene flow and possible ways to deal with it. Chapters II-IV constitute the evaluation of transgene flow and Chapters V-VI are discussions on management and further scientific and policy work that might deal with this flow. In Chapter II, gene flow and transgene flow are placed into a scientific context. This is followed by a typology of transgene flow according to its different effects as biological, social and legal in Chapters III-IV. Chapter V considers transgene containment options. Finally, Chapter VI highlights various priority areas for policy, including technical and regulatory policy.
Citation: Heinemann, J.A., 2007. A typology of the effects of (trans)gene flow on the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources. Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
