VIDEO-GM Crops 'Safe And Beneficial', Says Minister

GM foods are probably safer than those produced conventionally, the Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has said.

In a speech to scientists and people from the industry Mr Paterson attacked critics who derided genetically modified crops as "Frankenfoods" and said it was time for better informed discussion on the use of the technology.

Mr Paterson said that major European studies had concluded that there was "no scientific evidence associating GMOs (genetically modified organisms) with higher risks" for the environment or safety.

Mr Paterson, who has previously expressed his backing for GM, said he wanted the UK to be at the forefront of developing GM technology.

And in a warning to the European Union, which has tight restrictions on growing GM crops, he said: "While the rest of the world is ploughing ahead and reaping the benefits of new technologies, Europe risks being left behind. We cannot afford to let that happen."

There is just one active GM crop trial in the UK, for wheat that has been engineered to contain a gene from peppermint that deters aphids and attracts their predator, a parasitic wasp.

There are no commercial crops grown in this country, but livestock is commonly reared on imported feed which has been genetically modified.

He said: "As with all technologies, public and environmental safety is paramount. The reality is that in Europe and elsewhere, GM is perhaps the most regulated of all agricultural technologies.

"There are some that describe GM crops as 'Frankenfoods', deliberately termed to imply that they pose a risk to human health and the environment.

"The truth is that products are subject to extensive testing and development in tightly controlled conditions - progressing from laboratory, to glasshouse, to field trials only when it's safe to do so."

Mr Paterson was visiting Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. He visited the field where the active GM crop trial is taking place.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council welcomed Mr Paterson's endorsement of GM.

Chief executive Douglas Kell said: "GM is one tool in a range of options that can help us to tackle complex problems, such as the need to produce enough food for a growing population."

But opponents said it was too early to conclude that GM crops are safe to eat.

Mike Childs, Friends of the Earth's head of policy, research and science, said: ""Despite decades of research, there are still no miracle crops to tackle the challenges agriculture faces, such as climate change, soil degradation, water shortages and growing demand.

"Where GM crops are grown, they are exacerbating the very intensive farming practices that are part of the problem.

"Ministers must urgently get behind a different approach to food and farming that delivers real sustainable solutions rather than peddling the snake oil that is GM."

Peter Melchett, policy director of organic campaign group Soil Association, said:  "Owen Patterson's GM dream will make it harder to feed the world.

"The British Government constantly claim that GM crops are just one tool in the toolbox for the future of farming.

"In fact, GM is the cuckoo in the nest."