Issue Environ. Biosafety Res. Volume 7, Number 3, July-September 2008 Page(s) 163 - 179 Section Case Study DOI 10.1051/ebr:2008015 Published online 20 September 2008

Environ. Biosafety Res. 7 (2008) 163-179
DOI: 10.1051/ebr:2008015

Farm questionnaires for monitoring genetically modified crops: a case study using GM maize

Kerstin Schmidt¹, Ralf Wilhelm², Jörg Schmidtke¹, Lutz Beißner^{2, 3}, Wenke Mönkemeyer¹, Petra Böttinger², Jeremy Sweet⁴ and Joachim Schiemann<sup>2

1</sup>  BioMath GmbH, Schnickmannstraße 1, 18055 Rostock, Germany
²  Julius Kühn-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Kulturpflanzen, Institut für Sicherheit in der Gentechnik bei Pflanzen, Messeweg 11/12, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany
³  Current address: KWS Saat AG, Grimsehlstr. 31, 37574 Einbeck, Germany
⁴  Environmental Consultant, 6 Green Street, Cambridge, CB4 5JA, UK

Received February 2nd, 2008; accepted June 16, 2008; published online 20 September 2008

Abstract - Monitoring is a statutory requirement for the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops in the European Community. Questionnaires for farmers to report on observations of effects linked with the cultivation of GM crops can form a useful part of a monitoring regime. A questionnaire for GM maize (Zea mays L.) was designed, with questions focusing on potential effects related to the GM maize grown, as well as on background information about cultivation methods and on individual field situations. In this paper we present the methodological approach of the monitoring regime, the structuring of the data, and the contents and structure of the questionnaire. The statistical requirements and background for an appropriate evaluation and interpretation of the data are described. Results of interviews made from 2001 to 2005 are also presented. It is envisaged that this approach will be developed for monitoring other cultivated GM plants and traits, and may be applicable in monitoring certain non-farmed environments.

Key words: genetically modified plants / GMO / GMP / maize / monitoring / general surveillance / data acquisition / farm questionnaires / monitoring character / influencing factor

Corresponding author: kerstin.schmidt@biomath.de

© ISBR, EDP Sciences 2008

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