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Farm questionnaires for monitoring genetically modified crops: a case study using GM maize

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 September 2008

Kerstin Schmidt ,
Ralf Wilhelm ,
Jörg Schmidtke ,
Lutz Beißner ,
Wenke Mönkemeyer ,
Petra Böttinger ,
Jeremy Sweet  and
Joachim Schiemann
Kerstin Schmidt
Affiliation:
BioMath GmbH, Schnickmannstraße 1, 18055 Rostock, Germany
Ralf Wilhelm
Affiliation:
Julius Kühn-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Kulturpflanzen, Institut für Sicherheit in der Gentechnik bei Pflanzen, Messeweg 11/12, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany
Jörg Schmidtke
Affiliation:
BioMath GmbH, Schnickmannstraße 1, 18055 Rostock, Germany
Lutz Beißner
Affiliation:
Julius Kühn-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Kulturpflanzen, Institut für Sicherheit in der Gentechnik bei Pflanzen, Messeweg 11/12, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany Current address: KWS Saat AG, Grimsehlstr. 31, 37574 Einbeck, Germany
Wenke Mönkemeyer
Affiliation:
BioMath GmbH, Schnickmannstraße 1, 18055 Rostock, Germany
Petra Böttinger
Affiliation:
Julius Kühn-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Kulturpflanzen, Institut für Sicherheit in der Gentechnik bei Pflanzen, Messeweg 11/12, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany
Jeremy Sweet
Affiliation:
Environmental Consultant, 6 Green Street, Cambridge, CB4 5JA, UK
Joachim Schiemann
Affiliation:
Julius Kühn-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Kulturpflanzen, Institut für Sicherheit in der Gentechnik bei Pflanzen, Messeweg 11/12, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany

Abstract

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Monitoring is a statutory requirement for the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in the European Community. Questionnaires for farmers to report on observations of effects linked with the cultivation of GM crops can form a useful part of a monitoring regime. A questionnaire for GM maize (Zea mays L.) was designed, with questions focusing on potential effects related to the GM maize grown, as well as on background information about cultivation methods and on individual field situations. In this paper we present the methodological approach of the monitoring regime, the structuring of the data, and the contents and structure of the questionnaire. The statistical requirements and background for an appropriate evaluation and interpretation of the data are described. Results of interviews made from 2001 to 2005 are also presented. It is envisaged that this approach will be developed for monitoring other cultivated GM plants and traits, and may be applicable in monitoring certain non-farmed environments.

Keywords

genetically modified plantsGMOGMPmaizemonitoringgeneral surveillancedata acquisitionfarm questionnairesmonitoring characterinfluencing factor
Type
Research Article
Information
Environmental Biosafety Research , Volume 7 , Issue 3 , July 2008 , pp. 163 - 179
Copyright
© ISBR, EDP Sciences, 2008

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