Let’s be frank: Owen Paterson didn’t exactly have a dream start when he took over as Defra secretary of state after the reshuffle.
A combination of bad timing (hello, no-showing at SIAL), having to be the bearer of bad news (hello, postponement of the badger cull) and the farming industry’s heartache over losing their beloved Jim Paice meant it was difficult for Paterson to gain momentum during the early weeks of his tenure.
However, he may be about to win back some hearts and minds in the food and farming sectors. In an outspoken interview with The Daily Telegraph, Paterson made no bones about what side of the debate on GM food he is on: “Emphatically we should be looking at GM…I’m very clear it would be a good thing,” he said, before dismissing fears about “Frankenstein foods” as nonsense.
For those in food and farming who have long argued that the UK needs to have access to the latest in biotechnology - including GM - in order remain competitive, Paterson’s statement will have come as very welcome news. Yes, his predecessor, Caroline Spelman, also made noises about supporting the benefits of GM, but Paterson’s clear, strong words mark a noticeable change in tone.
This could prove as much a good thing as a bad thing. Although recent surveys suggest consumer opposition to GM could be weakening, GM remains an issue that needs careful handling. Paterson may have a good point about double standards on GM in the UK and Europe - especially when it comes to GM materials in feed - but those who are genuinely worried about the potential safety risks of GM aren’t going to be reassured by the secretary of state talking about their concerns as “humbug” and “complete nonsense”.
If Paterson is serious about the UK’s need for GM, he will need to be mindful that in sending positive signals to industry he doesn’t lose sight of the need to mount a more careful case to convince the general public.
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