The case for pressing ahead with development of genetically modified crops has received a significant boost by the findings of a House of Lords committee report that concluded "the potential benefits far outweigh the risks". Biotechnology interests here have welcomed the findings.
The inquiry chairman, Lord Reay, yesterday said genetic modification could bring great benefits: higher crop yields, better nutritional content in food, fewer herbicides and pesticides, and cheaper food. "But like any new technology there are risks and it should only be applied when they can be assessed and controlled."
The Lords' European Communities committee found no reason to doubt the safety of GM food approved by regulatory bodies. It looked at the EU's regulatory framework and found internal pressures within member-states may have held up scientifically-sound approvals for new GM crops. It suggested that individual member-states should have the right to opt out of growing certain GM crops.
Monsanto, which has been leading research into GM crops, welcomed the Lords' report. Its manager in the Republic, Dr Patrick O'Reilly, said it gave the all-clear to GM foods. "The committee has concluded that they can offer great potential benefits to agriculture, industry, consumers and the environment."
The report indicated a move towards "sensible discussion of the science, and away from scare stories and myths", he added.
Green MEP Ms Patricia McKenna claimed there was no conclusive proof that the benefits outweighed the risks, since all the risks had not yet been properly researched. "This approach of putting benefits before risks runs contrary to the precautionary principle which is supposed to be enshrined in EU treaties."
IBEC's Irish BioIndustry Association, which represents biotech companies in Ireland, noted the strong endorsement. Its director, Mr Matt Moran, said the industry always accepted the need for a sound regulatory scheme.
The UK Consumers' Association said the Lords failed to appreciate the need for a comprehensive and enforceable labelling system to ensure consumers could choose whether to purchase and eat GM foods.
