Menu
20/06/2013
Environment Secretary Says GM Crops 'Probably Safer'
The environment secretary, Owen Paterson, has called on the government to focus efforts on the production of GM crops, saying they are "probably safer" than ordinary crops.
Claiming that the UK and Europe risk being left behind as the rest of the world adopt the technology, Paterson told the BBC that GM crops hold significant benefits for farmer, consumers and the environment.
Dimissing critics of GM crops, Paterson is quoted by the BBC as saying: "The use of more precise technology and the greater regulatory scrutiny probably make GMOs even safer than than conventional plants and food."
(MH/CD)
Claiming that the UK and Europe risk being left behind as the rest of the world adopt the technology, Paterson told the BBC that GM crops hold significant benefits for farmer, consumers and the environment.
Dimissing critics of GM crops, Paterson is quoted by the BBC as saying: "The use of more precise technology and the greater regulatory scrutiny probably make GMOs even safer than than conventional plants and food."
(MH/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 May 2003
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
11 July 2003
Report finds GM crops will offer 'limited' economic benefit
A report that sets out the overall costs and uses of commercial GM crops has found that there will be "limited" economic benefit for the UK. The Strategy Unit report, published today, examines crops that are currently available and looked at possible developments over the next 10-15 years.
Report finds GM crops will offer 'limited' economic benefit
A report that sets out the overall costs and uses of commercial GM crops has found that there will be "limited" economic benefit for the UK. The Strategy Unit report, published today, examines crops that are currently available and looked at possible developments over the next 10-15 years.
21 July 2003
GM weed-killing crops could decimate bird population
Independent scientific research have voiced fears that genetically-modified (GM) crops could accelerate the decline of some of Britain's most popular songbirds.
GM weed-killing crops could decimate bird population
Independent scientific research have voiced fears that genetically-modified (GM) crops could accelerate the decline of some of Britain's most popular songbirds.
09 March 2004
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
10 December 2012
Environment Secretary Backs GM Foods
The UK Environment Secretary has openly backed the growing of genetically modified (GM) food. Owen Paterson cited "environmental benefits" when explaining his decision to back the technology. He said concerns about the impact on human health were "complete nonsense". It is thought ministers could relax control on the cultivation of GM crops.
Environment Secretary Backs GM Foods
The UK Environment Secretary has openly backed the growing of genetically modified (GM) food. Owen Paterson cited "environmental benefits" when explaining his decision to back the technology. He said concerns about the impact on human health were "complete nonsense". It is thought ministers could relax control on the cultivation of GM crops.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
