When the Royal Society recently published a report called Genetically Modified Plants: Questions and Answers, the intention was to fill what it saw as an information gap. It had found that the public felt under-informed on GM, and that 'reliable information' was needed so that a rational public conversation could ensue.
But the report has triggered protests from campaigners, who have accused it of presenting an uncritical assessment in favour of GM technology. The report, they say, contains scientific errors, and omits or hides discussion of opposing arguments and evidence of problems associated with the technology.
GM Freeze's director, Liz O'Neill, went on the radio to rebut the claims made in the report -- you can listen to her interviews here. Writing in The Ecologist, the Soil Association said, 'The Royal Society claims that GM food is "safe" - going on to explain that there is no evidence that it is unsafe. This is basic scientific error, confusing absence of evidence with evidence of absence'.
GM Freeze also drew attention to a vote taking place in the European Parliament on 6 June, on a report put forward by the UK Conservative MEP Andrea McIntyre. In the name of simplifying regulation around 'emerging technologies', this report is likely to pave the way for new forms of genetic engineering. GM Freeze urged the public to write to their MEPS to flag their unhappiness with the direction of travel proposed in the McIntyre report.
Read more about Sustain's campaign work for a safe and sustainable food supply here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
