The UK's National Farmers Union is concerned that the European Parliament is setting a "dangerous precedent" for EU legislation by ignoring scientific advice on genetically modified crop varieties.
Members of Parliament have backed a report, based on proposals from the European Commission, which would allow Europe’s Member States to disregard advice from the European Food Safety Authority and ban the cultivation of GM crops for non-scientific reasons.
“Farmers need all the tools available to them to contribute to ‘sustainable intensification’," said Dr. Helen Ferrier, NFU chief science and regulatory affairs adviser. "With the world population set to grow to 9 billion by 2050, Europe must be in a position to contribute towards global food security. We believe a common authorization procedure with common health and environmental safety will best serve EU farmers, consumers and the environment.”
