International Workshop on Post Market Environmental Monitoring of Genetically Modified Plants
Following the four workshops on "Post Market Environmental Monitoring of Genetically Modified Plants” from 2006 to 2010 the workshop in 2012 will explore the updated GMO monitoring challenges linked to the cultivation of GM crops worldwide.
Key topics in 2012 are
• Conclusions on latest guidance and opinions on PMEM by EFSA and the European Commission
• State of the art and recommendations for PMEM of soils
• International initiatives and experiences with PMEM
Though GM crops are well established worldwide, European experiences in cultivation and consequently on large-scale monitoring are limited. Some basic PMEM tools have been established since 2001 in the EU, but there is still an ongoing discussion on further improvements. Sound monitoring methods, thorough statistical analysis of data, as well as integrated information and knowledge management systems are prerequisites for the timely provision of information to decision makers and other stakeholders.
In 2011 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) discussed and published an updated guidance document for PMEM. Subsequently, the EFSA GMO panel presented its opinions on PMEM reports for MON810 maize and the starch modified potato Amflora, which may set the path for future monitoring reports in Europe. Nevertheless, public statements indicate that some issues even on established PMEM methods may need further consideration with regard to implementation and necessities.
The potential of soil monitoring for the impact of GM crop cultivation has been subject of research for several years. The workshop will summarize the findings and draw conclusions on methodologies, necessities and organisation of soil PMEM.
International Workshop on the consequences of the ECJ judgement on GM pollen in honey...
...for GM crop releases and cultivation in Germany and the EU
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided in September 2011 that pollen of genetically modified (GM) plants (GMP) contained in honey counts as a food ingredient and requires authorisation. One of the consequences of this “reclassification” is that honey containing pollen of GMPs now falls within the scope of the regulation on GM food and feed. As a consequence, honey containing GM pollen can be placed on the market only if the GMP in question has been authorised as food and labelling requirements are observed. All unauthorised GMPs are subject to the zero tolerance policy.
The international workshop has discussed the consequences of the ECJ judgement for GM crop releases and cultivation in Germany and the EU and for the honey market. The workshop provided scientific data on practical measures for coexistence of beekeeping with commercial cultivation of GM plants and for experimental field releases. Detection methods for pollen in honey and labelling issues have been discussed as well.
Nachwuchswissenschaftlerforum - Young Scientists Meeting
Das Nachwuchswissenschaftlerforum ist eine Plattform für Studenten, Doktoranden und PostDocs des Julius Kühn-Instituts, die als wissenschaftliche Tagung dazu beiträgt, dass junge Forscher ihr Wissen mit Gleichgesinnten teilen und die eigenen Fähigkeiten im Präsentieren von Ergebnissen verbessern können.
The Young Scientists Meeting offers - as an annual scientific conference - a platform to students, Ph. D. students and PostDocs for knowledge exchange and enhancement of skills that comprise the presentation of scientific results.