The need for ‘duty of care’ when introducing new crops for sustainable agriculture

The emerging bioenergy markets provide opportunities for the transformation and diversification of agriculture on an international scale through the development of new plant resources. Introduction of new perennial pastures and woody crops into agricultural systems offers significant environmental and economic benefits but may pose risks to existing natural ecosystems through environmental weeds and genetic contamination. A risk management framework provides a means of fulfilling the ‘duty of care’ requirements to enable industries to maximise the economic benefits of new crops whilst minimising any potential negative environmental impacts. An Environmental Risk Management Policy forms a basis for risk management at all levels of the research and development process. Such a policy includes assessment of both weed and genetic risk through assessment protocols based on the evaluation of variables known to influence invasiveness and gene flow. Experimental site hygiene guidelines provide a framework for operation of breeding activities that minimise the risk of trials as a source of invasion. Species management guides are extension information produced to ensure any risk associated with species and varieties released or promoted are identified and managed.

Research highlights▶ Emerging bioenergy markets provide opportunities for diversification of agriculture. ▶ Risk management maximises economic benefit whilst minimising environmental impact. ▶ Risks to natural ecosystems occur through weed invasion and genetic contamination. ▶ Management of weed and genetic risk is required in research and development.