UK Study: GM Crops Pose No Threat

A four-year study in the U.K. released in time for EU consideration of new modified crop imports concludes the crops pose no threat to the environment.

The study, jointly funded by the biotech industry and the U.K. government, looked at sugar beets and rapeseed that had been genetically modified to be resistant to herbicides alongside non-modified crops grown in rotation.

It found that the technology could help growers save money. The herbicide-tolerant crops could also provide farmers with the flexibility to improve plant diversity.

Opponents of the crops discounted the conclusion, saying it was flawed in part and confirmed their fears of release of the crops and their ability to cross-pollinate non-modified plants.