Relaxing of rules urged for genetically modified crops

It is time to loosen Europe's draconian regulations on genetically modified crops, say a group of biotechnology experts.

In a report released today they argue that genetically modified crops have been used safely for decades, so no longer need to be automatically treated as unsafe. They also say that genetically modified crops should be reclaimed from multinational companies and treated as a public good.

"We are not now dealing with a new technology," says report author Jim Dunwell of the University of Reading, UK. The crops have been studied for 31 years, and grown commercially for 20. "The assumption it's unsafe is no longer valid."

In the European Union, each new GM crop is assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Crops are only approved for planting in Europe if a majority of EU states agree, and that seldom happens as the EU is split between countries that support and oppose GM crops. As a result, since 1998 European farmers have been allowed to grow only one GM crop, a variety of maize. The US has approved 96 since 1990.

Dunwell and his colleagues at the UK government's Council for Science and Technology say that it would be better if each country had its own regulator. That way, if EFSA approves a crop, nations could decide whether to allow it to be grown on their land.

The team has also sent the proposals to UK prime minister David Cameron. Earlier this year the country's environment minister Owen Paterson also proposed loosening the regulation of GM crops in Europe.