A consultation of experts convened at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), recommended that any responsible deployment of Genetically Modified (GM) crops needs to comprise the whole process, from the pre-release risk assessment, to biosafety considerations and post release monitoring. Environmental goals must also encompass the maintenance and protection of basic natural resources such as soil, water and biodiversity. Environmental organisations and farmers should be engaged in the process.</p><p><a href="http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2005/89259/index.html">Monitoring the environmental effects of GM crops</a>