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This site summarises the role and responsibilities of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) subgroup on Wider Biodiversity Issues. An overview of the legislative framework, and risk assessment and monitoring associated with the role of the subgroup is given in two accompanying papers. These will be available shortly on the Defra/ACRE web-site: (www.defra.gov.uk/environment/acre/index.htm). A summary of the controls on the deliberate release of GMOs can be found below.

Outline of the Controls on the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Organisms to the Environment

Council Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms controls the release and marketing of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the EU. The Directive defines a GMO as 'an organism in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination'. The Directive requires Member States to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment that might arise from the release or marketing of GMOs.

The basic principles for the regulation of GMO releases in the EU are:

• A case-by-case environmental risk assessment should always be carried out prior to a release of a GMO;
• The deliberate release of GMOs at the research stage is in most cases a necessary step in the development of new products derived from, or containing GMOs;
• The introduction of GMOs into the environment should be carried out according to the 'step-by-step' principle, whereby initial releases are small and the scale of the releases increased gradually step by step, but only if the evaluation of the next steps indicate that the next step can be taken; and
• No product containing or consisting of GMOs and intended for deliberate release shall be considered for placement on the market without its first having been subjected to satisfactory field testing at the research and development stage in ecosystems which could be affected by its use.

The Directive sets out two regulatory regimes: Part B for controlling releases for research and development, and Part C for placing GMOs on the market in the EU, for example for cultivation and/or importation for food or feed.

For GM crops intended for cultivation, the environmental assessment must include consideration of the impact of management associated with the GM crop where these techniques are unique, in addition to the effects of the GM plant itself. Until December 1998, the EU competent authorities had not agreed a harmonised approach to risk assessment. However, a new technical annex formalises some important principles, which reflect best existing practice among EU member states. In December 1998, Environment Ministers agreed that these principles be taken into account ahead of the revised directive.

The ACRE Sub-group on Wider Biodiversity Issues

The ACRE sub-group on Wider Biodiversity Issues was established in February 1999 to reflect how best consent applicants should consider the legislation relating to farmland wildlife in future applications. In particular, the subgroup considers what effects any changes in crop management practices might have on farmland biodiversity. The basis for the subgroup's deliberations is the ACRE paper: The Commercial Use of Genetically Modified Crops in the United Kingdom: the Potential Wider Impact on Farmland Wildlife. In the case of genetically modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT) crops, this is being tested in the Farm Scale Evaluations (FSE).

The ACRE sub-group has the following terms of reference:

• To advise the ACRE on wider biodiversity issues which are identified with respect to the deliberate release of genetically modified and non-native organisms into the environment.
• To identify and consider wider biodiversity issues and advise ACRE on how they should be addressed.
• To advise ACRE on the necessary information requirements to address wider biodiversity issues in consent or licence applications and prepare guidance for applicants.
  This is now complete and takes the form of a guidance document entitled "Guidance on the Assessment of the Impact on Wider Biodiversity from Proposed Cultivation of GM Crops"
• To advise ACRE on the baselines against which the risks of the deliberate release of genetically modified and non-native organisms should be compared, to ensure that the release of these organisms is compatible with the maintenance and restoration of biodiversity. In particular the objectives and targets of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan should be considered in relation to this.
• To advise ACRE on specific research to address wider biodiversity issues.
• Assist ACRE in identifying sources of information, expertise and advice on specific biodiversity issues.
• The sub-group will report only to ACRE. ACRE will monitor the work of the subgroup.
• The sub-group may consult or seek wider views in the course of its deliberations.

Three sub-group meetings were held in 1999 and, so far, one meeting in 2000. Minutes of the meetings are available below. Main issues discussed include the role of pesticide legislation in regulating herbicide tolerant GM crops and the potential use of Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) in the risk assessment of GMOs.

The subgroup has a core membership made up of wildlife and farming experts.

Minutes of Sub-group Meetings

5 October 2001
27 April 2001
11th January 2001
3rd October 2000
10th January 2000
12th October 1999
14th July 1999
15th March 1999

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Published 15 March 2000 / Updated 7 December 2001

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