A new study into the potential impacts of adopting genetically modified (GM) cereals and oilseeds, on the UK agricultural industry, has been commissioned by the Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA).
The six-month desk based study will model a number of scenarios, looking at the possible economic implications of both adoption and non-adoption of GM technologies. They will look at the impact on farming and throughout the supply chains, as well on land use and the environment
The work, entitled ‘An evidence-based review on the likely economic and environmental impact of genetically modified cereals and oilseeds for UK agriculture’, will be carried out by the University of Reading, with a final report due to be published later this year.
Dr Vicky Foster, senior HGCA research and knowledge transfer manager, said: “With limited approval of this technology in Europe, there is little evidence available on what impact it could have for UK agriculture and nothing specifically for cereals and oilseeds.
“The topic of genetically modified food and feed continues to generate a high level of interest and debate. HGCA is reviewing the implications for UK growers, merchants and primary processors of adoption versus non-adoption of GM cereals and oilseeds in order to provide an evidence-based approach to the question of whether or not these technologies could be of benefit to the industry.”
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