| English farmers could grow commercial GM crops for first time |
A landmark ruling by the European Parliament is this week expected to give ministers the power to approve genetically modified crops
Genetically modified crops could be grown commercially by English farmers for the first time following a landmark ruling in Europe next week.
On Tuesday the European Parliament is expected to approve a deal which will let countries decide for themselves whether they want to plant GM crops.
The new legislation, which will be in place by Spring, could mean that commercial GM crops including maize and oil seed rape are grown in Britain.
The crops, which have been genetically modified to produce higher yields and withstand higher concentrations of weedkiller, would be sold for animal feed or to produce energy.
It raises the prospect that genetically modified fruit and vegetables could ultimately be grown for sale in Britain's supermarkets.
Lord de Mauley, the environment minister, told MPs that genetically modified produce are a "key agricultural technology for the 21st century".
He told the science and technology select committee that it will help "undo the logjam" in approvals for genetically modified crops at European Union level.
However, he said he was "disappointed" that the legislation will allow other European nations to make decisions to ban GM crops which are "not based on scientific evidence".
It is feared that could lead the industry simply to write off the whole of Europe.
He said: "GM offers the potential to increase production and maintain it when it might otherwise be reduced with crops that resist disease or pest damage, or which can thrive in difficult climatic conditions.
"As GM production continues to expand outside Europe and the range of beneficial GM traits is increased it should become increasingly difficult for the EU to set its face against widespread acceptance of the technology. We will continue to engage with them.
"Regardless of the EU situation, we have a world-class plant science base which could provide commercial opportunities for the development of new GM crops.
"It will be a key agricultural technology for the 21st century, and it is important that we maintain UK research in that area."
At present, the European Union has banned the use of a large number of genetically modified crops because of opposition across Europe.
The new legislation will mean member states will be able to decide at a national level whether to plant GM crops.
Lord de Mauley said that that are no genetically modified crops awaiting for approval which are suitable for growing in England.
Experts said that genetically modified maize and oilseed rape were the most likely crops to be grown in this country, alongside potatoes which require lower levels of pesticides. They are likely to take several years to gain approval from regulators.
Genetically modified fruit and vegetables are not currently available for sale in British supermarkets. However, meat from livestock which has been fed using genetically modified crops is sold.
Supermarkets have previously said that they are only prepared to change their policy and sell genetically modified food if there is demand from customers.
Genetically modified crops are being trialled in Rothamstead, Hertfordshire and Norwich in Norfolk, but they are not be sold commercially. Wales and Scotland are opposed to the use genetically modified crops and will not be growing anyway.
Lord de Mauley said: "It could provide an easier route to market for GM crops that pass the EU safety assessment process, albeit the market will be limited to those member states or regions that are open to GM cultivation. We will be pressing for the outstanding applications for EU approval to be authorised as soon as possible."
Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, said: "I hope that England will learn from the lessons of Scotland and Wales and think about what's in the interests of the farming industry rather than the chemical companies.
"The biggest risk is that England gets the reputation of being a GM country. It wouldn't be a surprise. It could damage exports from England and if you get a reputation for being an unreliable supplier people look elsewhere. "
Meurig Raymond’s, President of the National Farmers Union, said: "If the European Parliament adopts the text currently tabled, it is supporting unscientific, emotional and politicised arguments and justifications for banning an agricultural technology within a single market.
“GM could provide UK farmers with the potential for expanding markets and meeting the challenge of feeding an ever growing population in a sustainable way. Restricting ourselves from doing this is an outdated and backward step.”
Genetic modification involves taking existing plant strains and genetically engineering them with DNA from other species to produce useful traits, such as higher yields or resistance to pesticides.
But there has been vociferous public opposition to so-called “franken-foods” in the past.
Critics have raised fears of possible environmental damage if GM strains spread and have argued that they allow chemical companies to “own” plants as the GM strains are protected by intellectual property law.
The prospect of England growing GM crops commercially prompted concern from organic farmers last night.
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