March 16, 2015
GM crops could benefit farmers, says UK gov''t report
The adoption of genetically modified (GM) cereal and oilseed crops could benefit farmers, consumers and the animal feed supply chain, while supporting UK competitiveness in the global marketplace, a recent government report said.
The report, published on March 11, was commissioned by the Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA), an attached agency of the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, to address key research questions around domestic adoption or non-adoption of GM technologies.
The report also found that GMcrop production carries no negative environmental impacts compared to conventional cropping--and may offer environmental advantages.
The report said "an evidence-based review on the likely economic and environmental impact of genetically modified cereals and oilseeds for UK agriculture" examines the best available evidence on overseas experience of GM adoption, pulling together data from more than 170 publications, reports and studies to explore possible scenarios for the UK.
HGCA''s Dr. Vicky Foster said: "This report is a gathering of evidence to inform future debate on the potential use of GM cereals and oilseeds in the UK."
"We felt it was important to develop an independent evidence-base, free from distortion and speculation, to better prepare the industry for the implications of GM crop production, should the technology become available in the UK", she added.
''Focused on science''
She said that since GM "is an emotive subject…this report is specifically focused on the science, rather than consumer acceptability of GM products".
"However, we live in a market economy and farmers and processors are reliant on consumer demand for their products. Although this study demonstrates there would be tangible benefits to farmers and the environment in certain GM crop production scenarios, ultimately the decision rests in the hands of the consumer", Foster stressed.
The UK feed supply chain is already using GM products in the manufacture of livestock feed.
Early this month, the 28 member states of the European Union approved a new law giving them extra powers to ban the cultivation of GM crops in their respective territories even if these have been approved by the European Food Safety Authority.
Other studies have shown that GM seeds have built-in resistance to pests that traditionally attack crops.
A report, conducted and released late last year by the Global Industry Analysts Inc., said "the acceptance of high-performing hybrid and genetically engineered seeds is increasing steadily".
The wider use of GM seed, it said, was "a welcome boon for agriculturists who are often plagued by uncertainties due to low-performing seeds and crops".