2013-05-31 | permalink

Don’t fear GM crops, Europe!

The time has come to fight against this insidious attack on the progress of European science. It is fair to ask questions, demand answers, and ask for evidence of safety. But it is not fair to continue an aggressive campaign of Luddite opposition when all the evidence supports a positive role for GM agriculture in Europe. To rectify the situation we need to remove the political component in the approval process of GM crops and use an objective, science-based, and rational approach based on real evidence rather than short-term political ambitions. If we pander to a vocal but ignorant minority, the EU will end up the poor cousin in a world of growing affluence, where those willing to embrace biotechnology and its ability to address the global challenges of hunger, poverty, disease will become the future’s new economic leaders.

• The Scientist, USA: Opinion: Don’t fear GM crops, Europe!
• Chicago Tribune, USA: Biotech crops and Europe: A losing battle against progress
• Science Omega, USA: Genetic engineering policy needs modification