GM technology is beginning to be accepted and embraced, according to speakers at SAC’s Outlook conference this week.
Speaking at the pre-conference dinner Lord Haskins, former chairman of Northern Foods, predicted the technology could form part of responsible scientific development over the next five years.
“Ludite views of science are on their way out and the GM argument is beginning to be won by default.
Time for a GM debate
"Concern about human health implications has disappeared and with concern about food supplies people are now saying ‘maybe there is something in it’,” he said.
NFU Scotland president, Jim McLaren, referred to headlines now predicting a rise in feed prices of 600% by 2010 if GM technology is not embraced.
He said the time could be right for a debate on the responsible use of GM technology.
'Careful adoption'
Former Ulster Farmers Union president, John Gilliland, emphasised the need for the agricultural industry to 'take the public with it' in the GM decision-making process.
“If we adopt GM technology it has to be done very carefully with full traceability and labelling,” he said.
“Railroading” it through without taking consumers along could be very dangerous for the industry, he added.
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