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GM Can Safeguard the Environment
Farmers Guardian, March 25, 2009, William Surman

Worldwide use of pest-resistant genetically modified crops (GM) has reduced pesticide use by nearly 300 million kg - equivalent to the EU's entire yearly usage of sprays.

Speaking to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture yesterday (Tuesday, March 24), agricultural economist Graham Brookes said after 11 years of widespread use, GM crops had done more to help protect the environment than any other single technology.

He said the EU's tacit non-GM policy prevented EU citizens from benefiting from huge environmental gains.

In 2006 the use of GM crops saved 14.8 million kg of carbon emissions through less pesticide use and fewer field passes. That is equivalent to taking 6.6 million cars off the roads for one year, he said.

Mr Brookes added 13.5 million farmers planted GM crops last year generating more than 5 billion in wealth.

Ninety per cent of the farmers that grow GM crops are resource poor in the developing world. GM has given them an increase in yields and income.

I am not aware of any technology that has had such a profound impact on agriculture and the environment in such a short time, he said.

Mr Brookes' comments came a week after the Government's chief scientist Prof Beddington described the perfect storm where a growing population, scarcity of water and falling energy sources would create a crisis with dire consequences.

Prof Beddington said better plant technology had to be part of the solution.

Chairman of the Agricultural Biotechnology Council Julian Little said biotechnology would have to be accepted in Europe to allow scientists enough time to develop solutions.

He said latest research suggested five years ago 17 per cent of the EU was in a water sensitive area and in 20 years that area would more than double. Research on drought resistant crops was important now to solve problems tomorrow.

Globally more than 2 trillion meals made from genetically modified crops had been eaten and there had not been a single documented problem. The time for waiting was over, he said.

But while the benefits of the technology were clear to farmers and scientists, Lord Haskins, the former Government adviser on rural affairs, said the war was yet to be won with European consumers.

"It is still unclear how we win the argument with consumers. More work needs to be done to demonstrate the benefits to individual members of the public," he said.