Modern agriculture on its own, whether or not GMOs are involved, has profound impacts on all environmental resources, including negative impacts on biodiversity.

Since the commercialization of the first GM crops a decade ago, scientists have conducted extensive research on the risks that GM crops can possibly pose to the environment. In 2006, a group of researchers from Switzerland reviewed the scientific knowledge available so far and concluded that “the data available so far provide no scientific evidence that the commercial cultivation of GE crops has caused environmental harm.”

Since the commercialization of the first GM crop more than a decade ago, there has been no known report of hazards resulting from the consumption of foods derived from such crops.

Two studies suggesting possible ill effects due to genetic modifications were given considerable media attention a few years ago.

The first study claimed that pollen from pest-resistant Bt corn could kill the larvae of Monarch butterfly.

In the second study, the researchers claimed that autoimmune suppression was observed in rats fed with genetically modified potatoes.

It was found that the two studies quoted above were carried out under conditions that do not reflect the actual situation in the field. Peer reviews of these studies have highlighted several flaws in the experiment designs and results analysis.

The most likely scenario is the accidental release of GMOs. However, the risk can be minimized significantly if proper containment measures are in place.

Before experiments on GMOs are conducted, risk assessment must be performed to ensure that such GMOs would exert minimal impact even if they should be released accidentally.

In addition, safety control measures to contain the spread of any accidentally released GMOs are in existence and these are required as pre-conditions before experiments on GMOs can be allowed to commence.

GMOs released to the environment must be closely monitored. The GMAC guidelines require information on all released GMOs to be collected continually. Any new information regarding potential risks to the environment or to human health must be reported immediately to GMAC and the relevant regulatory authorities.

The regulatory authorities also reserve the right to recall any genetically modified organisms approved for release based on its assessment of new information.

While genetic modification is a relatively new technology presenting its fair share of uncertainties, one thing remains clear - this technology, with its potential in various fields such as medicine and agriculture, is simply too valuable to ignore. Credible, science-based decisions will help in resolving some of the controversies and concerns surrounding the technology.

Future GM organisms are likely to include plants with improved disease or drought resistance, crops with increased nutrient levels, fish species with enhanced growth characteristics, and plants or animals producing pharmaceutically important proteins such as vaccines.