NAS report upholds safety of GE crops and foods

The report, titled Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects, was released on May 17 at an in-person presentation in Washington, D.C., that was also broadcast via webinar.

“BIO commends the NAS panel for maintaining a transparent and objective approach throughout the course of the study and for its commitment to a science-based process,” said Brian Baenig, executive vice president of the Food and Agriculture for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) in a statement in response.

“Through a series of open meetings and webinars, which generated input from both opponents and proponents of the technology, the committee upheld its promise to embrace open engagement,” he said.

According to Baenig, after carefully examining the benefits and potential risks of GE crops and food in the commercial marketplace for the past two decades, BIO is pleased that the study reiterates what the world’s scientific authorities have repeatedly concluded over the years: that agricultural biotechnology has many demonstrated benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment.

“Science, technology, and modern farming techniques (including GE crops) must be one of the tools in the fight against world hunger and malnutrition amid the challenges of climate change. Innovations in agricultural technology are now – and will continue to be – absolutely essential to increasing production and efficiency for farmers, while producing food in a more environmentally sustainable way,” he said.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report, Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects, examines a range of questions and opinions about the economic, agronomic, health, safety, or other effects of genetically engineered (GE) crops and food. The report is posted online and available for download.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide expert advice on challenges facing the US and the world.

BIO is the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organisations across the US and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.