GM crop future debated at NFU conference
Promoting the public benefits of GM technology must be prioritised if British farmers are to gain access to it. That was the message to delegates at an NFU conference examining the ‘when, what and how’ of GM crops on British farms. Delegates at the conference in Peterborough heard how GM crops are now grown on […]
GM cereals and oilseeds may have potential benefits to UK agriculture
The adoption of genetically-modified (GM) cereals and oilseeds crops could benefit farmers, consumers and the animal feed supply chain, while supporting UK competitiveness in the global marketplace, according to an independent report published today (11 March). The work was commissioned by HGCA, the cereals and oilseeds division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), […]
EU Council vote pushes GM crop decision to Parliament
Campaign group GM Freeze expressed disappointment today as the European Union Environment Council voted “Yes” on a controversial proposal that could see GM crops planted in UK fields as early as next year. The UK Government strongly favours GM technology, but the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales are opposed. With two varieties of Roundup […]
Better understanding of disease resistance genes in crops to secure future food production
A new understanding as to how plants defend themselves against some pathogens that cause crop diseases is proposed by researchers from the University of Hertfordshire to help scientists breed new, more successful disease-resistant agricultural crops. The new concept is called effector-triggered defence or ETD. Breeding agricultural crops for resistance against disease pathogens is essential in […]
GM crops under the microscope at Queen’s University Belfast
One of the world’s most contentious food issues – Genetically Modified (GM) crops – will be debated by some of the world’s leading authorities on the subject at Queen’s University Belfast today (Wednesday day 9 April). A panel of international food experts will argue the pros and cons or GM crops at a special debate […]
UK warned: Devolved rejection of GM means UK must vote “No” on new maize
GM Freeze pointed out that since both the Scottish and Welsh Governments reject GM crops the overarching UK administration has no mandate to support the application. [1] The group also highlighted expected harms to the environment, some of which have not been properly assessed. Campaigns Director Helena Paul said: “The UK administration in Whitehall consistently […]
Paterson right on GM, says CLA
GM crops: The Association said the potential benefits of GM are huge with the UK being the natural home for GM research. However, scare tactics and misinformation has meant that the issue has lost scientific objectivity and become political. CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “GM crops aren’t the only solution to food shortages but technological innovation […]
European non-GM farming outperforms GM
A new study published this week, which compares US and European farms which grow largely genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops respectively, finds better or equal yield and resilience in European farms (1). Secretary of State for the Environment Owen Paterson is expected to make a major speech on Thursday, criticising EU regulation of GM […]
