The British government can vote today on new legislation that would ease the requirements for genetically modified products (primarily plants). Technology is the European Union Grammar Brexit books, the UK can go its own way BBC.
Genetic engineering or genetic modification
Genetic engineering involves turning genes on and off in an organism by cutting a small piece of DNA. You can create cultivars that can be produced using traditional cross-breeding methods, but much faster. But there are also opponents, such as Liz O’Neill, director of GM Freeze, who say the new regulation does not have the necessary control.
Several biotechnology and agricultural researchers have lobbied the government to legalize the commercial use of genetically modified crops. Previous processes of genetic modification have involved adding genes, even of another kind, and studies have shown that both techniques are safe.
The UK government believes that genetically modified crops can be grown that are more resistant (to pests, diseases and climate change) to increase productivity and food security.
With some of the best genetic engineering researchers in the UK, the government hopes that the relaxation of the law will lead to the creation of new foods and new businesses.
According to polls, the population does not fully support the technology: 57% of people support the use of General Electric stations, while 32% see it as unacceptable.
Do not use animals!
Genetic engineering on animals is less supported because it is useless for the many benefits (increased productivity of species, more resistant farms) to causing animal suffering.
Therefore, the bill will not yet allow for the genetic engineering of animals, but it will give ministers the power to introduce them – if they are convinced the regulation will ensure no harm to livestock.
Society will benefit from the new discovery of better crops and more nutritious foods
Professor Jonathan Napier told BBC News.
Joe Lewis, political director of the Soil Association, an organic food organization, criticized the bill and said:
We are very disappointed to see the government prioritizing unpopular technologies rather than focusing on the real problems – unhealthy eating, lack of crop diversity, overcrowding of farm animals, and a sharp decline in the number of pests killing pests. History has shown that the predecessor of genetic engineering, General Motors, will benefit only a small group of large companies with increased patent regulation and the amount of herbicide-resistant weeds.
David Exwood, Vice President of the National Farmers’ Federation, welcomed the change because scientifically prepared regulations could have a number of benefits for UK food production and the environment. According to him, farmers and producers have been given another tool to overcome the challenges of feeding a growing population and the climate crisis.
(Cover Image: Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
