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May, 2008
Source:
Co-Extra
Hardly any mixing occurs between
genetically modified (GM) and conventional maize when farmers
consider the agreed isolations distances between the different
parcels. That is the result of the field experiment that was
conducted by Plant Research
International of Wageningen
University for the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture. The
results show that the agreed isolation distances make sure that
mixing due to pollen-mediated gene flow in maize stays far below
the within the EU agreed 0,9% accidental GMO threshold.
An isolation distance is the distance between GM and non GM
fields that must be considered to avoid mixing. In the
Netherlands, for maize these distances are 25 meters (between GM
and conventional maize) and 250 meters (between GM maize and
maize specifically for a non-GM market, such as the organic
market).
On one location with an isolation distance of 250 meters one
sample from a receptor field with an unusual high value was
found. The receptor field is the field with maize that has been
planted at a distance of 250 meters in order to take samples and
check the mixing. This high value was not the result of mixing
due to pollen-mediated gene flow, but can solely be explained by
the presence of a GM maize cub in the receptor field.
The most logical explanation is that a GM seed was sown in the
non-GM field. This happened despite that the sowing machine had
been thoroughly cleaned in accordance with instructions.
Despite the unusual high value sample, the percentage of GMO in
the whole field remains under the within the EU agreed 0,9%
accidental GMO threshold. This means that if the harvest would
be marketed, which is not the case with this field experiment,
the batch would not have to be labeled as GMO.
Nevertheless, the mixing did happen despite the strict protocol
of the field experiment. That is why the Dutch minister of
Agriculture, Gerda Verburg, finds it necessary to extablish an
extra measure for commercial planting of GMOs. Research shows
that the knowledge of co-existence with breeders of GMOs or
contractors may be a weak link. To prevent this, the knowledge
on coexistence must be implemented. The minister is thinking
about an obligated course for farmers and is looking into the
possibilities.
Source:
Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit |
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