Research into the occurrence of GM oilseed rape in the Netherlands

In Europe, several genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape (Brassica napus) events are authorised for import and processing. In addition, requests to authorise new GM oilseed rape events are filed regularly.

GM oilseed rape seeds spilled during transport or transshipment may germinate and grow into GM oilseed rape plants. In several countries GM oilseed rape plants were detected along transport routes.

Cross-pollination between different GM oilseed rape events could create GM oilseed rape plants with new combinations of transgenic traits. In advance, it cannot be excluded that GM oilseed rape plants with new combinations of transgenic traits may cause an adverse effect.

Therefore, in its advices COGEM points out that the presence of GM oilseed rape plants along transport routes and transshipment areas should be monitored. As the monitoring plan that is part of application dossiers does not include this type of monitoring, COGEM considers it insufficient.

COGEM’s opinion is based on information on the occurrence of GM oilseed rape plants in other countries. Information on the occurrence of GM oilseed rape plants in the Netherlands is not available. COGEM commissioned a research project to investigate whether GM oilseed rape plants are present along transport routes and in transshipment areas in the Netherlands.