GM crops are thoroughly evaluated for environmental effects before entering the marketplace. They are assessed by many stakeholders in accordance with principles developed by environmental experts around the world.8,9,10 Among those who conduct risk assessment procedures are the developers of GM crops, regulatory bodies, and academic scientists.
Most countries use similar risk assessment procedures in considering the interactions between a GM crop and its environment. These include information about the role of the introduced gene, and the effect that it brings into the recipient plant. Also addressed are specific questions about unintentional effects such as:
impact on non-target organisms in the environment
whether the modified crop might persist in the environment longer than usual or invade new habitats
likelihood and consequences of a gene being transferred unintentionally from the modified crop to other species
Further, an increasing human population is responsible for wilderness destruction, water quality problems, and diversion of water. The loss of habitat has resulted in many species being displaced.
Thus, to conserve forests, habitats, and biodiversity, it is necessary to ensure that future food requirements come only from cropland currently in use.