UK to allow commercial growth of genetic crops
RTw 21.10.98 18:08
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LONDON, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Britain said on Wednesday it would
allow commercial planting of genetically modified (GM) crops to
go ahead under a new framework of strict controls.
The government said commercial planting of the crops would be
strictly limited and monitored for its ecological impact.
The decision went against the stand of English Nature, the
government's chief environmental adviser, which had recommended a
three-year moratorium on commercial planting to allow further
research into the possible harmful side-effects of GM crops.
Environment Minister Michael Meacher, giving evidence on EU
regulations on genetically modified crops to the House of Lords
agriculture committee, said the government would ensure the
safety of GM crops before permitting commercial production.
"I think it is right to be cautious at this relatively early
stage of the large-scale use of the technology in the
environment, and to make sure that for every product we have
practical evidence on safety before we take a decision to move to
commercialisation," he said.
Meacher said the government would set up a new ministerial group
on Biotechnology and Genetic Modification, to be chaired by
cabinet minister Jack Cunningham, formerly agriculture secretary.
He said the government would also conduct a scientific review
into pesticides used on genetically modified crops.
Supporters of GM food production welcomed the announcement. The
Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops (SCIMAC)
said the new arrangements would enable the benefits of the
technology to be delivered to consumers, food producers, farmers
and the environment.
"We are extremely pleased the government has adopted a
pragmatic approach to the introduction of this technology,"
said SCIMAC chairman Roger Turner.
"This initiative represents a fresh and inclusive approach
to the commercial introduction of new technology."
But he added that Britain was already well behind other major
food producing countries in adopting genetically modified crops.
Environmental campaigners back English Nature's view that more
research is needed into the possible long-term side-effects on
human health of eating GM food.
They also say GM crops, engineered to resist pests or tolerate
extra herbicide, could kill off other plants on which birds,
insects and animals feed.