To be able to do so, the committee recommends that a two-part approach be used to assess the potential environmental impacts of transgenic crops after commercialization: (1) Trained-observer monitoring would involve technical personnel in agricultural and natural areas management making and recording observations; and (2) long-term monitoring would help identify and distinguish patterns of biotic and abiotic variation in natural and agricultural ecosystems from impact events due to transgenic crops. In order for the findings of such monitoring efforts to be useful, a clear and coordinated regulatory response must be in place.