The reliability of the data is vital and its source should be verifiable for example the difference between using data that is based on mathematical population modelling may not be as reliable as data obtained from actual field trials using the LMO in question.

Example – Data acquisition, verification, and monitoring

“The importance of the data acquisition, verification, and monitoring process in the development of accurate risk assessments has been emphasized. Models, no matter how sophisticated, are simply attempts to understand processes and codify relationships. Only the reiteration of the predictive (risk assessment) and experimental (data acquisition, verification, and monitoring) process can bring models close to being a true picture of reality.”

Source: UNEP/IPCS (1994).