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Government approves new GM code

- 21 May 1999
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21 May 1999

Government approves new GM code

By Johann Tasker

THE government has endorsed a voluntary code of conduct proposed by the biotechnology industry for farmers growing genetically modified crops.

Cabinet minister Jack Cunningham, who is chairman of the governments cabinet committee on biotechnology, approved the new guidelines this morning (Friday).

The voluntary code was drawn up by the Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops (SCIMAC), a group of organisations in favour of GM crops.

SCIMAC members include biotechnology companies, the National Farmers Union, seed-breeding firms and representatives of agricultural suppliers.

The group has proposed making farmers sign an “inter-party” contract with merchants and seed companies before allowing them to grow GM crops.

The contract would set out the safety standards that farmers must reach and would stipulate that farmers must take advice from agronomists on how to grow the crops.

The code also permits the voluntary monitoring of GM crops to be carried out by farmers and the biotechnology industry.

But the government considers that in the longer term the voluntary guidelines could form the basis of legislation.

Dr Cunningham endorsed the code during a major announcement about GM crops to MPs this morning at the House of Commons.

He also announced other changes made by the government as a result of its review of the regulatory framework for overseeing developments in biotechnology.

The review found that there was confidence in the existing system of case-by-case assessment of new GM products and processes.

But it recommended that the system should be strengthened by two new strategic commissions which will take a broader, long-term view of GM developments.

The Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology Commission will cover the use of biotechnology in agriculture and its environmental effects.

It will work alongside the Human Genetics Commission which will advise on applications of biotechnology in healthcare and the impact of GMs on peoples lives.

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