The potential from the application of genetics to food production through the use of the remarkable processes of biotechnology was dramatically underlined by the US company, Monsanto, in its 1997 annual report. "Today, the ability to identify and use genetic information is doubling every 12 to 24 months. The exponential growth in biological knowledge is transforming agriculture, nutrition and health care in the emerging life sciences industry."
Monsanto's chairman and chief executive, Mr Bob Shapiro, says all industries based on biological science are in the early stages of "an extremely powerful and probably inexorable process". The Environmental Protection Agency's decision yesterday to allow Monsanto test genetically modified beet at five Irish sites is a small but significant clearing of that way for the company. On the broader front, it will be another small step in Monsanto's efforts - with a small number of multinationals - to secure wider acceptance of the new technology in Europe. They have been encountering opposition despite very strong - though many contend not overwhelming - evidence that such technology represents no threat to the environment or human health. Of late, it seems such companies have concluded that what is essentially US-led technology is not necessarily going to be warmly embraced by European consumers, who are wary of adulteration of food and still coming to terms with BSE.
Many Europeans want clear, unambiguous labelling of foods including basic crops/commodities which are genetically-engineered in any way. Where once producers said there was no need for such labelling, they are now saying they have no problems with it. Irish consumers should be grateful that those concerned about genetically modified foods prompted change and secured the ability to make proper choices, even if some labelling systems - in the absence of an EU one - are half-hearted, confusing and even misleading.
Next week marks the first anniversary of Fianna Fail's promise to introduce a moratorium on modified crops. The British government recently admitted that such an option may not be possible even if it favours such a course. The Government has hidden behind a commitment to publish a draft policy on genetically modified products. The electorate would be best served if greater provision was made for open debate and independent evaluating research, as well as a definitive clarification of the Government's position. Irish consumers would then have a fuller say and be able to reach an informed verdict.