Responsible gene technology in food

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has announced its support for the responsible use of gene technologies to produce genetically modified plants for use in Australian agriculture.

The Academy believes that, with appropriate scientific testing and community consultation, genetically modified (GM) plants have the potential to contribute positively to Australia's future.

According to ATSE, GM plants will contribute to the international competitiveness of Australian farming, the viability of regional economies, the wellbeing of Australian consumers and the health of ecosystems and the environment.

More than 91 million hectares of GM crops were grown in 2005, and the ATSE said: "Gene technology can play a role in alleviating malnutrition, enhancing sustainability and securing yields worldwide and its potential must be harnessed."

"In these instances, the lack of full certainty, in an environment of manageable risk, should not be used as a reason to postpone measures where GM can legitimately be used to address environmental or public health issues."

Other potential uses of GM can deliver direct health benefits to consumers, such as important drugs, healthier food oils, removal of allergens from food, as well as environmental benefits " for example, bioremediation and feral pest control.