1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Objective
A range of crops has been genetically modified for tolerance to broad-spectrum herbicides. The proposed benefit of this technology is that it will reduce costs and the amount of herbicide applied, as weed management for the farmer will be easier. However, this same benefit has an important possible side effect, that weed control becomes sufficiently efficient to threaten farmland species that have already been in decline because of changes in farming practice. The purpose of this project is to assess the impacts of genetically-modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT) crops on biodiversity through the effects of the crop management. The research is also intended to contribute to an assessment of the wider question of whether the commercial use of GM crops will change the management of farming systems and the agricultural landscape. The crops under the study funded by DETR / MAFF / SE are maize, winter rape and spring rape.
The main purpose is to be achieved by testing the null hypothesis that there are no significant differences between the biodiversity associated with the management of GM winter oilseed rape / spring oil seed rape / maize crops that are tolerant to herbicides and comparable non-GM crops at the farm scale.
Here we report on progress from the period April — September 1999.
Within the project management team, we are working to the following mission:
To test the null hypotheses of no effects of GMHT maize, spring rape and winter rape on biodiversity
To conduct high quality science on the biodiversity of agricultural systems, while testing the null hypotheses
To ensure that deliverables (reports to the Steering Committee, database and scientific papers) are timely and to appropriate quality
To ensure impartiality, quality and transparency of the project
To ensure the health, safety and security of the staff involved in the project
To ensure the effective presentation of the project to participants and the wider community
Published 23 December 1999
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