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This document outlines the position on GM tree-related research discussed at the Annual Conference of EFI in 2007. It covers the diverse topics, disciplines, and implications of GM tree research in forestry. The statement is divided into three parts: context, process, and the official statement made by the EFI Board. Various international and national organizations' positions on biotechnology and GMOs are also highlighted. The status of GM tree research in the EU in 2006 is detailed, including open-air field experiments and the need for unbiased scientific data to inform public authorities. The document concludes with a proposal for a Project Centre and emphasizes the importance of GM tree-related research in providing comprehensive scientific information.
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François Houllier Item 4 EFI Position on research related to GM trees Annual Conference of EFI 2007
A position about GM tree-related research,not about GM tree-based silviculture • Doing research on a topic does neither mean that there will be direct applications nor that such applications are desired and/or desirable, • But, of course, research may also lead to applications … • GM-tree related research covers a wide range of topics, disciplines and expertise • Tree biology and biotechnology • Assessment of ecological/environmental impacts • Comparative assessment of alternative silvicultural systems • Assessment of economic/social impacts • …
A statement in three parts • Context • Process • Statement
A statement in three parts:the context • Context • “EFI Board acknowledges that GM tree-related research is a controversial issue, with implications for many disciplines from biology, ecology and environmental sciences, to social and human sciences.” • “The Board recognised its responsibility to issue a statement on the matter and consequently initiated a process of discussion and consideration.” • Process • Statement
The forestry context is different from the context in agriculture (1) • Reasons for that are diverse • Feed and food uses (crops) vs. non food uses (forests) • Trees are long-living perennial species • Trees are large organisms • Specific targets (e.g. lignin contents and type in trees) • Large (GM crops: 102 Mha in 2006) vs. restricted (GM forests) dissemination • Different implication of large multinational companies • Forests and trees are a symbol of ‘Nature’ • …
The forestry context is different from the context in agriculture (2) • Reasons for that are diverse • As a consequence (?), the controversy is less hot than for crops • e.g. Number of citations under Google (25 August 2007) • GM forest : 965 (vs. 79,000 for GM crop) • GM tree : 919 (vs. 70,800 for GM plant)
The context:positions taken by other organizations • Several international (FAO, IUFRO Task Force « Forests and Genetically Modified Trees ») and national organizations (BBSRC, CSIRO, CIRAD, INRA, etc.) have expressed their position on GMOs and/or biotechnology • either in general or with a special emphasis on research • rarely with a specific reference to forest trees • A few common features • The need for innovation and the potential role of biotechnologies, including GM • The necessity to investigate all sorts of impacts (direct-indirect, intentional-non intentional, short-long term, etc.)
The context:the status in the EU in 2006 (1) • GM plants (including GM trees) are a common lab tool for plant biologists • Contained research using indoor facilities
The context:the status in the EU in 2006 (2) • GM plants are a common lab tool for plant biologists • A few open-air field GM tree experiments in a few countries presently (Poland, Germany, Finland, France, Romania, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden) or in the past (UK, Romania, Netherlands, Portugal) • Fruit trees: apple tree, Prunus sp., olive tree, Citrus sp. • Forest trees: poplar, aspen, silver birch, Eucalyptus • Former experiments: Norway spruce, pine, Eucalyptus • Target traits: modified wood properties, resistance to a virus, fast growth, risk assessment (e.g. dissemination, non target insect species)
The context:the status in the EU in 2006 (3) • GM plants are a common lab tool for plant biologists • A few open-air field GM tree experiments in a few countries presently or in the past • No commercial release (i.e. no large scale application) • neither presently • nor foreseen
A statement in three parts:a 3-years process • Context • Process • A proposal for a Project Centre in 2004 • EFI discussion paper 12 (2005) • Discussion at the Annual Conference 2005 in Barcelona • Electronic forum in late 2005 (open to EFI associate members) • EFI SAB discussed the matter and advised the Board on the issue in August 2006 • Statement
A statement in three parts:the statement itself (1) • Context • Process • Statement • “In order to provide the relevant public authorities with sound and unbiased scientific data and information, GM-tree related research is needed.”
A statement in three parts:the statement itself (2) • Context • Process • Statement • “In order to provide the relevant public authorities with sound and unbiased scientific data and information, GM-tree related research is needed. This research should: • contribute to the maintenance and development of autonomous multidisciplinary competences and expertise in this field;”
A statement in three parts:the statement itself (3) • Context • Process • Statement • “In order to provide the relevant public authorities with sound and unbiased scientific data and information, GM-tree related research is needed. This research should: • contribute to the maintenance and development of autonomous multidisciplinary competences and expertise in this field; • inform the policy process; however policy, regulation and operational functions regarding GM trees should be the responsibility of the relevant public authorities;”
A statement in three parts:the statement itself (4) • Context • Process • Statement • “In order to provide the relevant public authorities with sound and unbiased scientific data and information, GM-tree related research is needed. This research should: • contribute to the maintenance and development of autonomous multidisciplinary competences and expertise in this field; • inform the policy process […] • explore alternative paths and options, and assess the various technical, economic, social and ecological impacts, benefits, costs and risks associated with GM trees.”
A statement in three parts:the statement itself (5) • Context • Process • Statement • “In order to provide the relevant public authorities with sound and unbiased scientific data and information, GM-tree related research is needed […] • GM-tree related research should strictly comply with public safety regulations. Forest research organizations involved in such research should ensure that precautionary procedures have been developed and published.”
A statement in three parts:the statement itself (6) • Context • Process • Statement • “In order to provide the relevant public authorities with sound and unbiased scientific data and information, GM-tree related research is needed […] • GM-tree related research should strictly comply with public safety regulations […] • There is also a need for monitoring developments of relevance to European forestry from all over the world.”
