UK Environment Secretary Endorses GM Crops

The United Kingdom’s environmental secretary has reportedly endorsed genetically modified (GM) crops, making the current Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the most supportive of GM crops to date. In contrast to the previous government’s unwillingness to back what some apparently fear are “Frankenstein foods,” Secretary Caroline Spelman told a news source that she was in favor of GM foods “in the right circumstances.” Modifying plant genes could reduce the amount of chemicals needed to raise food crops, she said. “GM can bring benefits in food to the marketplace,” Spelman was quoted as saying. “There are benefits to developing countries, like drought resistance or resistance to high salt content in water. The principle of GM technology is [OK] if used well. The technology can be beneficial.” See The Guardian, June 4, 2010.