Minister makes case for GM crops
Thursday, 19 Jun 2008 09:49
Some campaigners say GM crops are not the answer to food shortages
Science In Focus
We take a look at the highs and lows of the past five decades of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa). Full Story
Growing genetically modified (GM) crops should be considered as part of the solution to the world's mounting food crisis, an environment minister has claimed.
Phil Woolas said a potential food shortage and escalating prices mean the government should debate the use of GM crops in the UK.
Last night he held preliminary talks with the Agricultural Biotechnology Council, a group formed in 2000 to promote the role of biotechnology in agriculture.
Mr Woolas told the Independent that there is a "growing question of whether GM crops can help the developing world out of the current food price crisis".
"It is a question that we as a nation need to ask ourselves," he added.
"The debate is already under way. Many people concerned about poverty in the developing world and the environment are wrestling with this issue."
Mr Woolas stressed to the paper that "very robust" procedures will ensure the safety of GM experiments.
His comments are likely to be met with dismay from campaigners who are opposed to GM crops.
In April the Soil Association published a report that claimed the yields of all major GM crop varieties in cultivation are lower than, or at best, equivalent to, yields from non-GM varieties.
Peter Melchett, Soil Association policy director, said at the time: "GM chemical companies constantly claim they have the answer to world hunger while selling products which have never led to overall increases in production, and which have sometimes decreased yields or even led to crop failures.
"As oil becomes scarcer and more expensive, we need to move away from oil dependent GM crops to producing food sustainably, using renewable energy, as is the case with organic farming."