Newhead News
	Beekeeper's Association Newsletter Aug 2004 GM Crops, Transgene Flow and Honey Bees By H. R. FULTON ...Approximately 58.7 million hectares (one hectare=2.5 acres) were planted with GM crops in 2002 in 16 countries dominated by the US (39 million hectares), Argentina (13.5 million hectares), Canada (3.5 million hectares), and China (2.1 million hectares). The principal GM crops to date have been soybean, canola, cotton, and corn, genetically modified for herbicide tolerance or insect resistance. Honey bees visit all these plant species. Because of their pollination value and the producers of honey and other products, honey bees are one non-target insect species of importance in discussions about the impact of GM crops visited by honey bees. Three areas of concern assume prominence when GM crops and honey bees are considered: (1) presence of GM material in hive products destined for human consumption; (2) the role of honey bees in cross-pollination (gene flow) among plants; and (3) the impact of GM plants on honey bee health. GM material consists of transgene DNA or novel proteins produced from the transgenes, and these may be present in bee products if they occur in the plants tissues (pollen) and secretions (nectar, resins, sap) collected by bees. The importance of the public's perception about contamination of hive products with GM material cannot be overestimated. Adverse public reaction can affect the beekeeper's ability to sell hive products that could then reduce the number of beekeepers in business along with a reduction in the number of bees available for free pollination of crops. Pollen is the most likely source of GM material since it contains ample quantities of DNA and protein. On the other hand, nectar primarily consists of sugars accompanied by minute amounts of amino acids and proteins. Since the pollen content of most honeys is between 0.0006% and 0.3%, honey containing an "accidental" level of GM material due to pollen contamination would not require labeling as such. Food labeling regulations require labeling when the GM material level reaches 0.9% in the European Union (EU), 1% in New Zealand and Australia, and 5% in Japan. At present, no labeling requirements for foods containing GM material exists in the US and Canada. GM material has been detected in honey, and current regulations in the EU require testing of honey for GM material. As more GM crops are adopted, testing of honey for GM material could evolve into a daunting and expensive task due to the foraging behavior of bees. Producers of organic honey could face difficulties in marketing their honey since honey containing GM material cannot be certified as organic. at: http://www.msstate.edu/entomology/beenews/beenews0804.htm