28 - Environmental risk assessment of new organisms and agricultural technologies – effects on functional biodiversity

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Objective

The aim is to determine and evaluate (conceptually and experimentally) the effects of new organisms and technologies in agriculture on biodiversity and ecosystem services to ensure that they contribute to more sustainable agriculture.

• Specific objectives

  • Close knowledge gaps on the biology, ecology and behaviour of new organisms in agriculture (biological and genetic characterisation, potential to spread and establish, food resources).
  • Study how new organisms and technologies interact with native biodiversity and its functions (risk potential and exposure, food web effects, hybridisation potential) in the laboratory, greenhouse and open field.
  • Develop strategies for using new organisms or technologies to increase the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems without creating new problems.
  • Gain a better understanding of interactions between different stress factors (abiotic and biotic).
  • Develop and validate methods to experimentally determine the environmental impact of new organisms and technologies.
  • Develop concepts to determine the environmental impact of new organisms and technologies on (functional) biodiversity.
  • Determine which new organisms and technologies could be relevant in future (horizon scanning) and estimate the risks and benefits for Switzerland.
  • Provide expertise for national and international specialist groups (scientists, government agencies, policy makers) for the further development of science-based regulation of new organisms and technologies.
  • Acquire and pass on knowledge regarding traceability, entry routes and coexistence of plants developed using new breeding technologies, taking into account the current regulatory classification and applicable laws and regulations.

Expected outcomes

Greater understanding of the effects of new organisms and technologies on (functional) biodiversity helps to ensure that risk assessments are conducted on a strictly scientific basis and made available promptly. As a result, new technologies/organisms, where deemed to be safe, are put into practice without delay, allowing practitioners to exploit their benefits to help achieve the PPP reduction path.

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