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One of Britain's most provocative scientists, who has been accused of
protecting the biotech food industry and has dismissed organic produce as
"an image-led fad", will give the televised BBC Christmas science lectures,
which are aimed at children and young adults, August 2005 by John Vidal.

Professor Sir John Krebs, who was appointed by the government in 2000 to
be the first head of the independent Food Standards Agency, will devote the
Royal Institution lectures to the subject of food. On past record, say his
critics, he can be expected to argue strongly for biotechnology and advanced
technologies to feed growing populations.

According to the Royal Institution, the now-retired Sir John "will ask
whether new farming methods such as genetically modified crops will be the
solution, or whether we will all have to become vegetarians". He will also
consider the question: "Will the future bring us the chocolate bar that
treats heart disease or the mood-enhancing potato crisp?"

Sir John, a distinguished ecologist who specialises in bird behaviour, made
some enemies while at the FSA, endorsing GM foods at the start of his term
and later claiming that there was no evidence that organic food was better
than conventional food. He has accused GM sceptics of being "shrill, often
ill-informed and dogma-driven".

His critics now fear he will use the influential Christmas lecture platform
to promote his own beliefs. "Sir John has always gone out of his way to
promote GM and attack organic foods. Children deserve to get a balanced
message. We are sick and tired of being told by government and some
scientists that GM food is necessary and the only way to avoid starvation",
said Pete Riley, head of GM Freeze, which represents more than 120 British
consumer and environment groups.

The Royal Institution, one of the pillars of the British scientific research
establishment, specialises in the communication of scientific ideas and
regards the prime-time televised lectures as some of its most important
events of the year. In the past they have been strictly above politics.

"There is no intention to be political or controversial," said a spokeswoman
yesterday. "He was chosen from a number of other scientists. It just
happened that he wanted to talk about the future of food. The lectures have
not been written yet. When they are, they will be looked at and considered.
We would not allow anyone to say just anything," she said.

Lord Melchett, policy director of the Soil Association, which certifies
organic food and has a record of opposing GM, said: "My impression is that
most kids are pretty repulsed about messing about with nature and that he
will have a harder time persuading them that GM food is good than he had
with Mr Blair. We live in hope that he's learned from the drubbing he got
from the review of the FSA done by Baroness Dean".

Baroness Dean's review concluded that the FSA under Sir John had not
fulfilled its criteria for being scientifically impartial when considering
both organic and GM goods. "The vast majority of people consulted felt that
the FSA had deviated from its normal stance of making statements based
solely on scientific evidence. This view was expressed not only by
stakeholders representing organic and GM interest groups, but by those who
would be regarded as supporters and natural allies of the agency", it said.

[www.guardian.co.uk]

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