Trends in Plant Science
ForumEU Regulations Impede Market Introduction of GM Forest Trees
Introduction
In 2010, the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) (see Glossary) action FP0905 entitled ‘Biosafety of forest transgenic trees: improving the scientific basis for safe tree development and implementation of EU policy directives’ was initiated. Briefly, the main objective of this action was to evaluate and substantiate scientific knowledge on GM forest tree biotechnology as the basis for future EU policy on the environmental impact assessment and the safe development and practical use of GM trees [1]. Twenty-seven EU countries and seven non-EU countries have participated in this COST action [2]. After 4 years of meetings and discussions, the opinion below was written, discussed, and finally approved by 128 of 134 COST participants.
Section snippets
Lengthy Regulatory Process with Unpredictable Outcome
In Europe, the development and placing on the market of GM organisms (GMOs), including GM forest trees, is governed by EU legislation. The contained use of such trees has to fulfill the requirements of national legislations implementing EU directive 2009/41/EC. The deliberate release for experimental purposes and the market introduction of GM trees have to fulfill part B and part C of directive 2001/18/EC, respectively. Part B for experimental releases (Figure 1) is implemented into national
Europe Lags Behind
The main goal of the European GMO legislation is to protect human health and the environment, particularly vulnerable habitats and species. However, GM forest trees are not intended to be introduced into protected habitats. They are bred for use in plantation forestry and in agricultural settings, with case-specific management options. The more efficient plantation forestry and agricultural use of trees can become for the production of biomass, energy, and materials, the less pressure there
Concluding Remarks
Specific guidance on the ERA of GM trees is required based on sound scientific principles and taking into account the experience gained so far with both GM fruit and plantation trees and with other GM crops. In addition, the decision-making process for the authorization of GM plantation forest trees, as with other GMOs, should concentrate on scientific evaluations that should also be used as the basis for the management of GM forest tree plantations.
Glossary
- European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)
- a unique means for European researchers, engineers, and scholars to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all fields of science and technology through trans-European networking of nationally funded research activities.
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