Government’s ‘gung-ho‘ approach to GM will scare public

By Gary Scattergood

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Security Labour party Food

Shadow food and farming minister Huw Irranca-Davies criticised the DEFRA boss's 'gung-ho' approach to GM
Shadow food and farming minister Huw Irranca-Davies criticised the DEFRA boss's 'gung-ho' approach to GM
The environment secretary’s "gung-ho approach" to genetically modified (GM) foods risks alienating the public at a time when a calm and rational debate about the issue is needed.

That’s the view of shadow food and farming minister Huw Irranca-Davies in this exclusive podcast for FoodManufacture.co.uk.

While Irranca-Davies believes there is a “strong case”​ that GM production may be needed to increase food supplies and improve food security, he said the gung-ho pro-GM approach of environment secretary Owen Paterson risked “scaring the horses”​ before a sensible debate could take place.

Groceries Code Adjudicator

In a wide-ranging interview to gauge what the Labour Party’s views are on the key political issues affecting the industry, Irranca-Davies also explains why he has confidence that relationships between manufacturers and retailers will improve because of the Groceries Code Adjudicator.

He also outlines what he’d do if he was in power to plug the skills gap and encourage more people to work in the industry, and discusses why the drive for export growth needs to start with public procurement policies.

Related topics People & Skills

Related news

Show more

1 comment

GMO Foods in England

Posted by Nicholas Scott Raven,

I can't understand how anyone would want to support GM production in any form whatsoever. It's just wrong.

America invented fast and unhealthy, highly toxic processed foods for an overly long shelf life. Look what has happened - yes Frankenstein foods.

I highly recommend those individuals at No 10, Downing Street to wake up and offer a vote to the public in order to decide if GM is acceptable or not.

Personally, I would vote no to GM food production in UK. 100% organic is the best way forward because it is safe, clean, pure and simple.

The future lays in your hands.

Report abuse

Follow us

Featured Jobs

View more

Webinars

PRODUCTS & SERVICES