Owen Paterson, the UK government’s environment secretary, is backing the introduction of the science into the UK’s food production, saying in interviews with the media that there were real environmental benefits to be had and dismissing concerns over impacts on human health.
The comments came as speculation began to grow that UK ministers were set to relax controls on the cultivation of GM crops.
However, the suggestion has angered environmental groups, particularly organic advocate the Soil Association. Its policy director Peter Melchett said: “Owen Paterson’s GM dream will make it harder to feed the world. The British Government constantly claims that GM crops are just one tool in the toolbox for the future of farming.
“In fact GM is the cuckoo in the nest. It drives out and destroys the systems that international scientists agree we need to feed the world. We need farming that helps poorer African and Asian farmers produce food, not farming that helps Bayer, Syngenta and Monsanto produce profits.”
Friends of the Earth has also rejected the UK politicians’ claims. Mike Childs, head of policy, research and science, said: “The hyperbole on GM crops is akin to Bernie Madoff’s promises to deliver untold riches – there is no evidence they will deliver for farmers or food security.
“Despite decades of research, there are still no miracle crops to tackle the challenges agriculture faces, such as climate change, soil degradation, water shortages and growing demand.
“Where GM crops are grown, they are exacerbating the very intensive farming practices that are part of the problem.
“Ministers must urgently get behind a different approach to food and farming that delivers real sustainable solutions rather than peddling the snake oil that is GM.”