Commenting ahead of Environment Secretary Owen Paterson’s expected speech on GM crops tomorrow (Thursday 20 June), Friends of the Earth’s Head of Policy, Research and Science Mike Childs said:

“The hyperbole on GM crops is akin to Bernie Madoff's promises to deliver untold riches – there is no evidence they will deliver for farmers or food security.

“Despite decades of research, there are still no miracle crops to tackle the challenges agriculture faces, such as climate change, soil degradation, water shortages and growing demand.

“Where GM crops are grown, they are exacerbating the very intensive farming practices that are part of the problem.

“Ministers must urgently get behind a different approach to food and farming that delivers real sustainable solutions rather than peddling the snake oil that is GM.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Please see Friends of the Earth's