Assignment: Summary of a workshop that brought together scientists and policy-makers to identify the research needed to better understand the effect of GEOs on crops, wildlands, forests, and marine resources.

Excerpt: "Although the need for research on the effects of GEO organisms is long term, with many issues still to be worked out, many participants agreed that the need for such research is urgent. As [Norman] Ellstrand reminded the group, GEOs are here to stay. As occurred so successfully in this workshop, scientists with biotechnology expertise working with those who study wildlife and habitats can have a profound impact on answering questions about GEO effects that are critical to ecosystems in the United States and around the world."

Comment: The summary presented results from many breakout sessions, requested by the U.S. Geological Service as a guide to future research directions.