GM sanctions

Abstract

I was disheartened to read the thinly veiled threats made by the heads
of leading biotechnology companies about future investment
in British bioscience in the light of the outcry about GM crops
(This Week, 27 February, p 7).

Comments such as “Britain is not the only place where you can do research”
and “It will harm investment in the UK” are doubtless meant to coerce scientists
into supporting one side, rather than tempering the alarming level of the debate
in the media.

These companies may say they do not want to work in countries that do not
support their research, but it is not the research that is at issue but the
commercial exploitation of the products.

People and governments have the right to say no to GM foods, wrongly or
rightly. The verdict on GM crops must be based on the actual and perceived risk
to public health and the environment. The issues should be resolved without the
threat by transnationals of what amounts to economic sanctions.
Published 20 March 1999
https://www.newscientist.com/letter/mg16121787-000-gm-sanctions/