Defra, the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has today published a review that considers possible methods for containing the spread of novel genes in GM crop plants. This issue is of potential relevance to the risk assessment of new types of GM crop. The review is available at http://www2.defra.gov.uk/research/project_data/More.asp?I=CB02036&M=KWS&V=CB02036&SUBMIT1=Search&SCOPE=0

The review was considered in near-final form by the independent Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment. Its advice on the review's findings is available at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/acre/pubs.htm. This also provides a useful summary of the review.

BACKGROUND

1. Defra has a specific research programme to underpin its work on the risk assessment and risk management of genetically modified organisms. The budget for 2006/07 is #1.7m and about 20 projects are currently under way on a wide range of issues.

2. Further background on the Defra GMO research programme is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/gm/research/index.htm.