The global scientific consensus on genetically modified crop risk assessments

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biotechnology
• Risk Assessment

Background:

• Genetically modified (GM) crop risk assessments commenced in the early 1990s, initially focusing on herbicide tolerance and insect resistance traits.
• The scientific framework for evaluating GM crops has remained consistent for over three decades, comparing them to their non-GM counterparts.
• Since 1994, more than 4,400 GM crop evaluations have been conducted globally for cultivation and food/feed use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze three decades of GM crop approval data.
• To highlight the consistency and scientific rigor of GM crop assessment processes.
• To evaluate the relative risk of GM crops compared to conventional varieties.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of GM crop approval data from over 70 countries spanning 30 years.
• Categorization of assessments based on traits (herbicide tolerance, insect resistance) and use (cultivation, food/feed).
• Comparison of risk profiles between GM crops and conventional varieties.

Main Results:

• No GM crop evaluations have identified increased risk relative to conventional varieties.
• Herbicide tolerance assessments: 692 for cultivation, 1,891 for food-release across 14 crops.
• Insect resistance (largely Bacillus thuringiensis - Bt) assessments: 523 for cultivation, 1,396 for food-release.

Conclusions:

• GM crops are equivalent in risk to conventional crop varieties.
• Established international scientific expertise provides a reliable basis for GM crop safety assessments.
• Continued reliance on scientific expertise is crucial, especially for resource-constrained regions.