Conference 7 ran from 31 May to 6 July 2002.
The theme of this conference is the potential importance and impact of gene
flow from genetically modified (GM) crops, forest trees, fish or animals to
non-GM populations, with particular focus on developing countries. This
issue has been raised on numerous occasions by participants in previous
e-mail conferences hosted by this FAO Forum (see
the report of the first six conferences). The issue of the
potential importance and consequence of transgenes moving from GM crops to
traditional landraces has also been brought sharply to the forefront
recently, following reports of transgenic material in maize landraces
cultivated in Oaxaca in southern Mexico, part of the centre of origin and
diversification of this crop.
The FAO Electronic Forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture was
established in March 2000 to provide a neutral platform for various parties
to exchange views and experiences so that it might be possible to better
understand and clarify the issues and concerns behind the debate on
agricultural biotechnology for developing countries. A conference on the
subject of gene flow from GM to non-GM populations appears therefore to be
both appropriate and timely.
The issue of gene flow from GM populations is not only of potential
relevance to crop landraces or traditional varieties but also to wild
relatives of the domesticated species, organic crops or non-GM crops
cultivated under intensive conditions. Furthermore, the issue does not only
concern crop plants. The current media focus on gene flow in crops is
determined primarily by the fact that there is no commercial-scale planting
of GM trees and no GM animals or fish are currently approved for human
consumption. If (or when) this situation changes, there will also be much
focus on gene flow issues in these sectors and therefore they are included
here.
The aim of the Background Document is to provide some brief background to the subject
as well as to mention some of the factors that should be considered in the
conference.
Read the full Background Document for Conference 7:
Gene flow from GM to non-GM populations in the crop, forestry, animal and
fishery sectors.
