Does biotechnology negatively impact non-target species?
Part of the research and development plan for any new agricultural product involves studying the potential impact on both target and non-target species. For example, most Bt proteins have been shown to have high levels of activity or control on a few species of insects, lower levels of activity on a few other species of insects, and no activity on most insects, other arthropods, or other organisms such as mammals or birds. On a case-by-case basis, this research on potential impact is conducted in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field in the United States and in other countries. In addition, research is conducted on potential routes and levels of exposure to the biotech crops. The combination of the effects and exposure data makes up the environmental risk assessment, which is a critical part of the decision as to whether or not development will continue.
