Early ecological assessments of genetically engineered (GE) crops were heavily focused on the potential impacts on non-target organisms, particularly green lacewings, Chrysoperla carnea, and monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus. However, distinguishing between the noise of public opinion and the rigor of scientific evidence presented a significant challenge. Through the dedicated efforts of numerous scientists, significant progress was made in refining tier-based testing systems for the comprehensive evaluation of these crops. This presentation provides a firsthand account of the pivotal challenges and successes encountered during the early years of assessing the ecological risks associated with GE crops. Drawing upon personal experiences and collaborative contributions, the speaker will shed light on the intricate dynamics between hoopla and science in the field. This information should be useful to a new generation of academic, industry, and government scientists embarking on similar endeavors.
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