Editorial - Pesticides News No. 43

This issue of Pesticides News comes out at a time of unprecedented public discussion about genetically modified foods. Genetic engineering has the potential to cause massive social, economic and environmental effects worldwide. Biotechnology companies claim that genetic engineering will improve our food, increase crop yields and even reduce the use of pesticides on farms. But articles in this issue of Pesticides News question these assertions, and highlight many of the potential risks associated with this technology.
    There is already evidence of contamination of conventional crops and wild plants, and potential damage to wildlife. The effects on human health of eating these foods are unknown. Vital research on these issues is either incomplete or has not even been identified. The public has not been properly involved in the decision making process.
    The Pesticides Trust [now PAN UK], along with 39 other UK public interest groups, has joined a campaign that reflects the public's deep concern. It calls for a minimum five year freeze on:

1. the growing of genetically engineered crops for any commercial purpose

2. imports of genetically engineered foods and farm crops

3. the patenting of genetic resources for food and farm crops 

During the five year freeze the following must be developed:

• A system where people can exercise their right to choose products free of genetic engineering

• Public involvement in decisions on the need for, and the regulation of, genetic engineering

• Prevention of genetic pollution in the environment

• Strict legal liability for adverse effects on people or the environment from the release and marketing of genetically modified organisms

• Independent assessment of the implications of patenting genetic resources

• Independent assessment of the social and economic impact of genetic engineering on farmers.

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 43, March 1999, page 2]