The government has announced that legislation to cut red tape around genetic engineering in crops and animals will launch in parliament today (Wednesday 25 May) via the new Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill.
In response, Soil Association Policy Director Jo Lewis said: “To prioritise a genetic engineering de-regulation Bill over the Food Bill called for by the National Food Strategy smacks of a government casting about for silver bullets. It avoids dealing head-on with the transformation needed in our food and farming system for true security and resilience. As highlighted by the National Food Strategy and the new report by Chatham House, agroecological farming and a shift to healthy and sustainable diets is the most evidence-based solution for climate, nature and health. Government’s response to that recommendation is long overdue.
“We are deeply disappointed to see the government prioritising unpopular technologies rather than focusing on the real issues – unhealthy diets, a lack of crop diversity, farm animal overcrowding, and the steep decline in beneficial insects who can eat pests. Instead of trying to change the DNA of highly stressed animals and monoculture crops to make them temporarily immune to disease, we should be investing in solutions that deal with the cause of disease and pests in the first place. History has proven that GM only benefits a minority of big businesses with a major rise in controlling crop patents and unwelcome, profitable traits such as herbicide-resistant weeds.
“The government has, at least, acknowledged that genetically engineering animals has major welfare implications – the Bill must guarantee that this will not proceed unless and until these concerns have been met. This must include responding fully to the results of the current public dialogue on gene editing in farm animals. The Bill must also establish clear safeguards for farmers, including organic farmers, and citizens who choose non-GM to ensure protection from cross-contamination.”