GM debate intensifies

Wednesday, 11 June 2003 12:00 AM

The genetically modified (GM) crops debate shows signs of intensifying after an independent scientific think-tank claimed GM could help to improve agriculture in developing countries.

The Nuffield Council on Bio-ethics claims GM technology may increase crop yields and thereby better the lot of poor people in impoverished countries.

Backers of GM insist the technology is there to maximise yields. The result: to feed the world's seemingly exponentially growing population.

The Nuffield Council, a body composed of scientists, lawyers, philosophers and other academics, is likely to inspire some controversy after it claimed banning GM crops in Europe would slow the rollout of technological benefits in developing countries.

It recommends governments across the EU should increase research budgets to realize the benefits of GM technology.

Nuffield Council director Sandy Thomas said: 'We do not claim that GM crops will eliminate the need for economic, political or social change, or that they will feed the world.

'However, we do believe that GM technology could make a useful contribution, in appropriate circumstances, to improving agriculture and the livelihood of poor farmers in developing countries.'

Critics of the report were quick off the mark. Matthew Lockwood of Action Aid's Head of Policy said: 'The UK public should not be duped into accepting GM in the name of developing countries.

'GM does not provide a magic bullet solution to world hunger. What poor people really need is access to land, water, better roads to get their crops to market, education and credit schemes.'

The GM Nation debate will take place this evening at the Quality Hotel in Glasgow.

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