| A review of the literature shows that the environmental risks and benefits of genetically modified crops have varying degrees of certainty. For example, field studies have documented growing resistance to highly used pesticides. However, the risks of gene flow and deleterious effects on non-target organisms have not been evaluated at large field scales. Similarly, reduced pesticide use and toxicity have been estimated for some transgenic crops in some regions. Yet, the effects of herbicideresistant crops on erosion, carbon loss and supplemental water use generally have not been evaluated. Recent assessments have concluded that inadequate monitoring and evaluation of the ecological risks are being conducted. Among other limitations, the US regulatory system... |
