| Other defra.gov.uk sites
 
You are here: Email to a friend

GM crops: risk assessment and regulation

This part of the team undertakes risk assessment and horizon scanning research on the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for Defra, other government departments, the European Commission and EFSA. The team also conducts research into the coexistence of GM and conventional crops. The team is also responsible for enforcement of legislation on the deliberate release of GMOs in England, which comprises a programme of inspections and audits of companies authorised to release GMOs into the environment, investigation of any cases of release of unauthorised GMOs, and audits of seed companies to ensure they are managing the risks of adventitious presence of GMOs in conventional seeds for planting in the UK.

More information on GM legislation and the work of the team can found on the GM Inspectorate website. The GM Inspectorate can be contacted at

[You must enable JavaScript to see this email address]
.

Our experts

Sarah Hugo: Head of GM Inspectorate
Email:

[You must enable JavaScript to see this email address]

Overall responsibility for upholding legislation for deliberate release of GMOs in England.

Ged Kerins: GMO research and regulation
Email:

[You must enable JavaScript to see this email address]

Programme manager for audits to manage risk of adventitious presence of genetically modified organisms in seed. General interest in assessment of risks posed by GM organisms including fish, mammals and birds. Additional expertise in the biochemistry and genetics of resistance to chemical and non-chemical control methods in agricultural pests.

James Blackburn: GMO research and regulation
Email:

[You must enable JavaScript to see this email address]

Field Inspection Programme Manager responsible for coordinating the inspection and enforcement of GM deliberate release trials; auditor of seed companies to ensure they have systems in place to prevent adventitious GM presence in conventional seed; experience in qualitative and quantitative risks assessment of AGMP in seeds.

Recent work

GM Inspectorate Annual Reports 2004-04 to 2008-2009 (April 2009)1

Date Description
Ongoing Defining environmental risk assessment criteria for genetically modified mammals and birds to be placed on the EU market (Henry, Kerins, Blackburn) EFSA - Further project information
April 2010 Defining environmental risk assessment criteria for genetically-modified fishes to be placed on the EU market (Henry, Kerins, Blackburn) EFSA - Further project information
November 2008 Analysis of field trials management in Member States and prevention of accidental entry into the marketplace EC DG Environment
October 2007 Adventitious traces of genetically modified seeds in conventional seed lots: current situation in Member States EC DG Environment
2006 Development of a framework for the quantitative assessment of risks to conventional seed of the adventitious presence of GMOs Defra (PVS)
2005-06 Cumulative long-term effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on Human/Animal Health and the Environment EC DG Environment
2005-06 Availability and use of general surveillance information for potential changes resulting from GM crop cultivation 3 Defra (R&D)
2005-06 Development of GM Seed Audit Information Database Defra Innovation Fund
2004 Statistical theory and analysis of GMO enforcement 3 Defra (R&D)
2002-04 Assessment of the distribution of GM material in kernel lots 3,4 EC Joint Research Centre
2005-06 Genetically modified fish: risks and opportunities Fera (Seedcorn)

1 Reports available at http://www.gm-inspectorate.gov.uk/reportsPublications/

2 Reports available at http://www.gm-inspectorate.gov.uk/news_info.cfm

3 Reports available at http://randd.defra.gov.uk/

4 Reports available at http://ukpmc.ac.uk/abstract/AGR/IND43847523