Organising stakeholder debate on genetically modified crops

Considering calls from both sides of the debate for an environmental stakeholders forum to discuss and advise on environmental and other issues raised by biotechology and genetically modified crops.

There is considerable public unease over genetic modification and with it, the widely held belief that these concerns are not being heard or addressed by governments. The wider issues of genetically modified crops must be fully addressed properly. Many from both sides of the debate have proposed an environmental stakeholders forum to discuss and advise on environmental issues raised by biotechnology. Such a forum might include representatives of everyone with an interest, such as farmers, plant breeders, conservation bodies and public interest groups. This group would work in parallel with the scientifically based bodies considering applications to release or market genetically modified plants and other organisms on a case by case basis.