Elements of a proposed Project

1
Risks Benefits

• Elements of a proposed Project

2
Risks Benefits
Title

• Impact of transgenic crops on the use of
  agrochemicals and the environment
• An IUPAC Project

3
Risks Benefits

• Project Objectives

• Evaluation of data on the use of agrochemicals on
  transgenic crops, and comparison with treatment
  of traditional crops

2. Evaluation of data on the ecological impact of
transgenic crops in relation to changes in
agrochemical use
3. Environmental risk-benefit analysis of
transgenic crop cultivation
4. Comparison of regulatory frameworks for the
introduction of transgenic crops with respect to
risk/benefit assessment
4
Risks Benefits

• Problem statement

Cultivation of transgenic crops has been
spectacular over the last 10 years. For example,
the estimated global area of transgenic crops has
increased from 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to
44.2 million in 2000. Herbicide tolerant soybeans
and cotton and insect resistant corn and cotton
account for most of the transgenic crop acreage.
Other commercial transgenic crops include
herbicide tolerant canola and corn. Most of the
transgenic crops are grown in the USA, Argentina,
Canada, and China. In Europe commercial
cultivation of crops is very limited, primarily
due to concerns expressed by environmental and
consumer groups.
5
Risks Benefits

• Problem statement (continued)

There is still limited experience with
cultivation of transgenic crops in relatively
constrained areas, and information on the use of
agrochemicals on these crops and the associated
impact on the environment is still scarce.
In this project, extending database on the use of
agrochemicals with transgenic crops will be
analyzed and assessed with respect to its
environmental impact. On this basis, a
risk-benefit analysis will be made, which may
contribute to a better understanding and
assessment of the environmental issues involved
in the introduction of transgenic crops and in an
improved risk communication
6
Risks Benefits

• Potential environmental benefits of the
  cultivation of transgenic crops are among others
  

• less crop injury due to pests and diseases
  resulting in
• increased crop yields,

(ii) easier and more flexible weed/insect
control,
(iii) reduction of mechanical soil treatment, and
(iv) selective replacement of agrochemicals by
environmentally more friendly ones, and
reduced use.
7
Risks Benefits

• Potential environmental risks include

(i) gene transfer and outcrossing to related
plant species,
(ii) greater reliance on herbicides and
increased use,
(iii) build-up of resistance in pest insects,
(iv) negative effects on non-target species,
(v) shifts in application of agrochemicals and
associated negative consequences for the
environment, and
(vi) loss of biodiversity.