Farm questionnaires for monitoring genetically modified crops: a case study using GM maize.
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.
Schmidt
Kerstin
K
BioMath GmbH, Schnickmannstrasse 1, 18055 Rostock, Germany. kerstin.schmidt@biomath.de
Wilhelm
Ralf
R
Schmidtke
Jörg
J
Beissner
Lutz
L
Mönkemeyer
Wenke
W
Böttinger
Petra
P
Sweet
Jeremy
J
Schiemann
Joachim
J
D000383:Agriculture; D000818:Animals; D003625:Data Collection; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D053209:Herbicide Resistance / Q000235:genetics; D006540:Herbicides / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009036:Moths; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000469:parasitology; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D003313:Zea mays / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*
D006540:Herbicides