MEP Lyon calls for end to impasse on GM technology

Scottish MEP George Lyon yesterday urged European politicians to end the current impasse on GM technology after hearing the potential environmental benefits that the science could bring.

Speaking at a seminar in Brussels, where arguments both in favour and against GM produce were put forward, Professor Martina McGloughlin of the University of California outlined some of the benefits enjoyed by US farmers using the new technology.

"Pesticide use has been reduced by 15.4 per cent, insecticide use by 90 per cent and fuel use on GM crops had been reduced by 20 gallons per acre. The resulting reductions in carbon emissions are equivalent to removing six million cars from the roads."

McGloughlin also stated that crops with nitrogen fixing genes that dramatically reduce farmers' reliance on bought-in nitrogen were already in the pipeline and would be available in other countries within two years.

She also claimed that the new variety of blight-resistant potatoes which used two genes from wild potatoes could save potato farmers over 3 billion from reduction in spraying.

Responding to these statements, Lyon said: "In Europe we need to end the impasse or be left behind, leaving our farmers at an economic disadvantage and the environmental gains of this new technology unrealised.

"The scientific consensus is that they are safe and the rest of the world is already benefiting from them. Biotech holds out the promise of reducing inputs of herbicides and pesticides as well as other environmental benefits.

He picked up on the research being carried out on nitrogen-fixing GM plants saying this would be an important tool that was needed in Europe where farmers have to buy expensive manufactured nitrogen

Lyon admitted there were clearly strong views held by scientists on both sides of the GM argument.

"By learning from the experiences of countries that have embraced GMs, including the United States, we can hopefully allay some of the fears of those worried about the implications of allowing GM crops into the European food chain," he said.

"It is clear that those opposed to GMs have been listened to, their claims examined in great detail by the European Food Standard Agency."

Lyon has been charged by the European Parliament agriculture committee to bring forward a report on the future cultivation of GMOs

"The agriculture committee is debating whether the power to allow the cultivation of GM crops should be handed back to member states so this discussion is coming at a crucial time and should help inform the discussions that will take place ahead of the vote," he added.