The audit was part of Monsanto's Biotechnology Field Inspection program. Jessica was our auditor.
Preparing for the audit is not much different than following the correct procedures and best-practices that Monsanto already has in place. Before planting I double check that I have received the seed boxes in good condition with the proper paperwork, including the material transfer forms and USDA/EPA compliance packets. I check to make sure that I have approval to move and release the material. Before planting I measure isolation distances to make sure we will be planting in accordance to the regulations. At planting I take GPS coordinates and stake the appropriate areas of the plot. Following planting I submit my planting forms to Monsanto's Regulatory Compliance group within 14 days so that they can compile with other plantings in a report to submit to the USDA and EPA.
During the audit, the majority of the time is spent looking through the USDA and EPA compliance packets to ensure that all events planted were approved by the USDA and EPA for release at that particular location in the correct county.
Jessica also checks to make sure that all the movement notifications are in place to move the seed to Monmouth and then to Decatur. Another important part that we review is the Material Transfer Forms that accompany the seed.
The in-field portion of the audit consists of checking the proper staking and labeling of the regulated events, GPS coordinates, and re-measuring the isolation distances to ensure that they meet USDA and EPA requirements.
