Genetically modified (GM) crops are "categorically" safer than conventional
crops because they are subjected to much greater scrutiny than traditional
varieties, Owen Patterson, Secretary of State for Food, Environment, and
Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom, said in his speech at Rothamsted
Research on June 20. Addressing an audience of scientists, the Secretary
talked about the benefits of GM crops and called on the government,
industry, media, and the scientific and research community to convert the
public and its widespread fear and skepticism towards GM. He said, "I want
all those here today to play their part. I'll back you all the way."

Secretary Paterson also said that the 170 million hectares of GM Crops grown
in 2012 - an area seven times the size of the UK - meant that farmers
benefitted from growing such crops. He praised the GM technology research
being done at research facilities and universities in the UK, but expressed
concern that Europe is falling behind its agricultural trading partners. "We
cannot expect to feed tomorrow's population with yesterday's agriculture,"
he said.

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