UK: New attitudes on GM crops are developing

(June 19, 2008) Environment minister Phil Woolas has suggested that the British resistance to genetically modified crops be rethought in the light of food shortages and rising prices around the world.

He promotes that the UK "as a nation" needs to ask itself whether GM can play a part in addressing the current crisis, which already has severely hit several developing countries. He told the Independent that "it is a question that we as a nation need to ask ourselves." The minister also stated that "the debate is already under way" and that "many people concerned about poverty in the developing world and the environment are wrestling with this issue."

Although the British Government has decided that there is no scientific case for a general ban on GM crops, it made clear in 2004 that commercial planting would be allowed only on a case-by-case basis if individual crops are nationally regarded to be safe for humans and the environment. Currently there is no commercial cultivation of GM in the UK and only one field trial with GM potatoes.

See also on GMO Compass:

• GMO Database
• GM crops