DECIDING whether or not to allow the commercial growing of genetically modified crops in the UK should be, you might think, a straightforward matter. With all the reports and consultations, there ought to be plenty of evidence on which to base a decision.
Don’t be fooled: it’s not that simple. Let’s start with the recent public debate, GM Nation, the results of which are due in September. The government insists GM Nation is a “listen and learn” exercise. But how will it listen? If it hears overwhelming opposition to GM, will it still give GM the green light on the grounds that it knows better?…
