Agricultural genetic engineering is the genetic manipulation of plant (and somewhat less often animal) organisms. It involves transferring gene components in order to encourage desired effects which the genes would produce in their original environment (for example, genes which produce an insecticide from bacillus thuringiensis should control insect pests).
Gene transfer is not specifically targeted and usually there are inadvertent changes in the genetic makeup of the plants. Moreover gene activity has to be artificially “forced” because the plants themselves resist attempts to change their genetic makeup and would shut down the new gene components.
According to new research natural gene regulation is much more complex than originally thought. The genetic manipulation of plants and animals must therefore be seen as a systemically adverse intervention in the genome that carries hitherto unknown risks. One can neither predict how other genes in the plant will be affected in their activity nor how transgenic organisms will behave in different environments. It is further problematic that genetically engineered plants can hardly be prevented from spreading into open land and that consumers will be confronted with products made from these plants.
Current research and risk assessment in agricultural genetic engineering is biased towards the needs of industry and developing Germany’s economic position. The EU concepts of risk assessment for genetically engineered plants are based on old research standards. There is hardly any or no way that the public or interested parties may influence the content, aims, implementation and organisational structures of research (and associated areas). Given the possible massive spread of genetically engineered organisms as seed, food, animal feed or biomass there is a great need to protect the environment and consumers. Therefore independent, transparent research in the field of agricultural genetic engineering is highly important for society.
Costs ensuing from the consequences of agricultural genetic engineering are also problematic since industry passes these on. These include the cost of increasing seed prices, consequential damage due to contamination and expenditure for the pollution control of harvests, seeds, food and animal feed.
In its technical potential agricultural genetic engineering has fallen far behind original expectations. More than 90 percent of crops grown worldwide either have a tolerance to herbicides or produce their own insecticides. In contrast, important goals such as high yields, tolerance to climates and diseases have been much more effective and successful with conventional cultivation.
All in all it appears that the risks attached to agricultural genetic engineering can still hardly be foreseen and that its development and application are too expensive as well as being limited in product variety. For this reason conventional cultivation must be clearly given preference.
5. October 2009