On 15 October 2009 the European Commission supported Transcontainer research project held its final stakeholder workshop in Brussels. This three-year research project aimed at developing several biologically contained GM crops and trees. The Transcontainer research project also assessed the potential environmental risks of such biologically contained GM plants and trees and their potential contribution to coexistence of GM, conventional and organic crops in European agriculture. On the first day of the workshop, Transcontainer research partners and scientists from public research institutions and private companies focussed on the 'science' behind several biological containment strategies, like chloroplast transformation, controllable fertility and controllable flowering. Whilst the discussions on the first day addressed the technical achievements,  at the second day, Transcontainer partners had an exchange of views with representatives from agro-food chain operators and public interest groups on the wider political and economic implications of the deployment of biological containment strategies for GM crops and trees.  Moreover, a series of six film portraits was presented at the workshop, showing the perspectives on Transcontainer of 1) The GM Farmer; 2) The Organic Farmer; 3) The Coexistence Policy Advisor; 4) The Scientist; 5) The Anti-GMO Activist, and; 6) The Industry Lobbyist.  

The background document, the report and annexes of the European stakeholder workshop can be downloaded here.

The six film portraits can be watched at YouTube - Transcontainer

For more information about Transcontainer see Transcontainer website.

Report

Background Document

Annex I

Annex II