Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food cause almost as much concern as pesticides (see Eurobarometer survey) and the introduction of GM crops has caused worldwide controversy. 

Genewatch, a not-for-profit group that monitors developments in genetic technologies from a public interest, environmental protection and animal welfare perspective, address the important questions of whether GM crops will harm the environment or GM foods will damage health. Because the technology is currently largely in the private sector, they also raise issues of how, and in whose interests, it will be used.

There is a strong link between genetic modification of crops and pesticide use since the commercially available GM crops are entirely focused on the role of pest management of weeds or insects.  For further information about this, see the PAN UK briefing Pesticides and the adoption of genetically modified crops.

There are issues about whether it is possible to grow GM crops alongside conventional ones without contamination occurring, and on what level of contamination would be acceptable. There is currently a government consultation on this, which you may wish to respond to: Consultation on proposals for managing the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops in England.  The consultation closes on 20th October

For further information see the Friends of the Earth website - www.stopgmcontamination.org.