13 April 2007
Genetically Modified Plants to Feed and Clothe the World?
I went to a lecture last week on gm. Professor Chris Leaver from Oxford University and one of Britain’s leading researchers in the area gave a great overview of the potential of this technology to solve current problems and to solve future problems due to climate change. A panel of Australian researchers and developers as well were available for questioning. It was clear that the audience had some reservations about the technology (as does the world) and the panel gave assurances that the safeguards in place were safe. They also gave the impression that these safeguards were being followed. Perhaps in Australia but the next morning I received an email from US scientists concerned that the US safeguarding agency was approving plants for planting in areas where the gm plants had close wild relatives (a no-no to prevent transfer). If this technology is to have a real role in providing health and food for all world citizens then it must be controlled and its activities transparent and well-communicated.
