UK environmental secretary: We must lead the world in GE crops

The following is an edited excerpt.

UK Environmental Secretary, Owen Paterson, delivered a speech about genetically engineered crops at the Rothamsted Research station near St. Albans. He called for a new approach to considering GM crops, which he said could help farming become more sustainable and efficient.

I believe that it’s time to start a more informed discussion about the potential of genetically modified crops. A discussion that enables GM to be considered in its proper overall context with a balanced understanding of the risks and benefits.While I believe that there are significant economic, environmental and international development benefits to GM, I am conscious of the views of those who have concerns and who need reassurance on this matter.We must lead this discussion, explaining to the public not only what GM technology is but also how it can help.

Read the full speech here:  Patterson: UK must lead the world in GM crops

 

 

 

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}

Related Articles

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Does glyphosate—the world's most heavily-used herbicide—pose serious harm to humans? Is it carcinogenic? Those issues are of both legal and ...

Most Popular

d-b
Blocked arteries, kidney stones, nausea, constipation, fatigue: Long list of health problems caused by too much vitamin D 
Screenshot-PM-24
Viewpoint: The herbicide glyphosate isn’t perfect. Banning it would be far worse.
circular-bioeconomy-should-focus-on-sustainable-wellbeing
GLP podcast: What's wrong with 'doomsday' environmentalism? It's false.
Screenshot-2026-04-29-at-11.31.42-AM
Dad brains: Only women undergo bodily changes during and after childbirth? Think again.
ChatGPT-Image-Mar-27-2026-11_27_05-AM
The myths of “process”: What science says about the “dangers’ of synthetic products and ultra-processed foods
ChatGPT-Image-Mar-3-2026-01_17_14-PM
MAHA wellness influencers deride proven anxiety medications, tout lifestyle fixes
png-pill-omega-Supp-fish-oil
Fish oil supplements for brain injuries probably don’t work 
ChatGPT-Image-Feb-16-2026-01_04_32-PM
Raw milk myth wake-up call
ChatGPT-Image-Apr-22-2026-11_06_18-AM
Wellness influencer nonsense: No, nicotine does not boost cognition and productivity, but it can damage your health 
ChatGPT-Image-Feb-16-2026-01_57_31-PM
Viewpoint: ‘Science-as-Satan’ unites the MAHA—MAGA movements. Is a breakup in the works?
screen shot at pm
Word games: How Moderna is selling its newest vaccine without using the “v” word
ChatGPT-Image-Apr-28-2026-12_46_14-PM-2
Kennedy has quietly stopped touting problematic raw milk. Health concerns aren’t why
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.