Benefits outweigh risks from genetically modified plants
The University of Queensland Australia ethicist Dr Lucy Carter jus released a new study which advises Australian states that they should not ban the commercial production of genetically modified crops. She writes that the benefits far outweigh the risks. GM crop field trials have taken place throughout Australia in every state except South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia, with the first two states re-examining their moratoriums currently. Read more about this below.
C.S. Prakash
Benefits outweigh risks from genetically modified plants
The University of Queensland Australia
January 23, 2008
Australian states should not ban commercial production of genetically modified (GM) plants and food as the risks are alarmist and exaggerated, according to a new study.
The UQ PhD study found the benefits of GM plants and food outweighed the risks, finding no compelling evidence of harm to humans from GM plants.
GM plants have been trialled in most states with South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia the only states to ban GM plants. South Australia and Tasmania are reviewing their moratoriums.
The study author, ethicist Dr Lucy Carter, spent three-and-a-half years examining arguments and evidence for and against the development and use of GM plants and food in Australia and in the developing world.
Dr Carter said there was no evidence to justify continuing moratoriums on commercial GM planting so long as thorough risk assessments were done.
Opponents say GM products are unnatural, potentially harmful to humans and capable of environmental injury and creating 'superweeds'.
She said the risks of GM plants transferring allergenic proteins to novel foods or creating superweeds were very low.
