In a farewell speech to a group of senior scientists at the Foundation for Science and Technology, the UK government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir David King, remarked that GM crops could be an area in which the UK could excel. While he did not explain the scientific rationale for their use, he saw the commercial opportunity available.
While there is no doubt that manufacturers of GMO make profits, it is also clear that the environment is endangered and the practice of industrial agriculture, which is required in GM plantings, puts independent producers out of business. It is worrying that such a high profile person would take such a cavalier stance when so many of us are increasingly touched by the degradation of environment and community economies. Fortunately it is not the only voice – the Liberal Democrat party issued a policy statement saying GM crops should not be approved until they are shown not to contaminate other crops because of the transgenic risks. (Related links: Defra Genewatch UK)
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