mrz
11-07-03, 18:16
GM crops will have little economic benefit in UK
16:08 11 July 03
NewScientist.com news service
Genetically-modified crops will bring little economic benefit to the UK in the face of vehement public opposition, a UK government report concluded on Friday.
Although GM crops "have the potential to offer more wide- ranging benefits, to farmers and consumers" in the long- term, says the document, economic benefits are likely to be limited in the short term as "only a narrow range of existing GM crops are currently suited to UK conditions, and weak consumer demand is likely to limit uptake".
The report on the impact of commercially growing GM crops is the first of three commissioned by the UK's Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett to help inform government decision-making on the controversial issue.
The reports come as a three-year moratorium on the commercial growing of these crops in the UK draws to a close. The UK government is due to make a decision later in 2003 on whether to give the crops the go-ahead.
Public hostility
GM crops have met with much public hostility in the UK, in contrast to the US where millions of Americans have eaten GM foods over years and opposition has been minor.
"Although this report was written by staff working for a pro- GM Prime Minister, they have been forced to conclude that there is little economic justification for granting commercial approval to GM crops in the short term," says Tony Juniper, director of environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth. "If public opposition continues, the long-term prospect for these crops is equally bleak."
Pharmaceuticals and vaccines
The document, published by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit, says that GM crops could deliver direct health benefits to the British public in the long-term. It says GM varieties could offer foods with reduced allergy-causing properties or with added nutrients. Non-food GM crops could be used as a source of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, it says.
"However, the overall balance of future costs and benefits will depend on public attitudes, and on the ability of the regulatory system to manage uncertainties," it admits.
The report also highlights potential "trade-offs" in the impact GM crops might have on the cultivation of natural crops. Costs in keeping GM crops separate from non-GM crops may be a factor which affects decision-making, it says.
"The report highlights that GM crops are one area in which GM technology has significant potential to contribute to the UK's future economic prosperity and sustainability," says Environment Minister Elliott Morley.
Shaoni Bhattacharya
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99993933
:duim:
16:08 11 July 03
NewScientist.com news service
Genetically-modified crops will bring little economic benefit to the UK in the face of vehement public opposition, a UK government report concluded on Friday.
Although GM crops "have the potential to offer more wide- ranging benefits, to farmers and consumers" in the long- term, says the document, economic benefits are likely to be limited in the short term as "only a narrow range of existing GM crops are currently suited to UK conditions, and weak consumer demand is likely to limit uptake".
The report on the impact of commercially growing GM crops is the first of three commissioned by the UK's Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett to help inform government decision-making on the controversial issue.
The reports come as a three-year moratorium on the commercial growing of these crops in the UK draws to a close. The UK government is due to make a decision later in 2003 on whether to give the crops the go-ahead.
Public hostility
GM crops have met with much public hostility in the UK, in contrast to the US where millions of Americans have eaten GM foods over years and opposition has been minor.
"Although this report was written by staff working for a pro- GM Prime Minister, they have been forced to conclude that there is little economic justification for granting commercial approval to GM crops in the short term," says Tony Juniper, director of environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth. "If public opposition continues, the long-term prospect for these crops is equally bleak."
Pharmaceuticals and vaccines
The document, published by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit, says that GM crops could deliver direct health benefits to the British public in the long-term. It says GM varieties could offer foods with reduced allergy-causing properties or with added nutrients. Non-food GM crops could be used as a source of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, it says.
"However, the overall balance of future costs and benefits will depend on public attitudes, and on the ability of the regulatory system to manage uncertainties," it admits.
The report also highlights potential "trade-offs" in the impact GM crops might have on the cultivation of natural crops. Costs in keeping GM crops separate from non-GM crops may be a factor which affects decision-making, it says.
"The report highlights that GM crops are one area in which GM technology has significant potential to contribute to the UK's future economic prosperity and sustainability," says Environment Minister Elliott Morley.
Shaoni Bhattacharya
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99993933
:duim: