The Use of GM Crops in Developing Countries
The case of food aid
During the course of our investigation, we have repeatedly observed the extent to which complex issues are over-simplified. In a highly charged political atmosphere, the impact of public statements by influential bodies needs to be carefully considered, including the way in which those statements may be misinterpreted. In our view, there is a pressing obligation on all those who seek to be influential in policymaking to weigh carefully all the current and relevant evidence, and to consider the characteristics of specific uses of GM technology by comparison with other feasible systems. This obligation to base statements on an impartial consideration of the evidence applies as much to campaigning organisations as it does to any other public or professional body. We are sceptical about claims from individuals or organisations who found their arguments on political convictions rather than scientific evidence.
The issues raised by food aid are complex. We recognise that long-term reliance on food aid, whether provided in the form of GM or non-GM cereals, is highly undesirable. Clearly, assistance to developing countries should, where possible, be directed towards self sufficiency in food production. This is a complex task and GM crops could play a substantial role in improving agriculture. However, the question remains as to how developed countries can comply with their ethical obligations when emergencies arise. With regard to donations of GM crops as food aid, we note that the preferences of developing countries dependent on emergency food aid must be taken seriously. A genuine choice between GM and non-GM food should be offered, where this is possible. It will therefore be necessary to provide full information about whether or not donated food is derived wholly or in part from GM crops (paragraph 5.41).
Where developing countries prefer to receive non-GM food, the World Food Programme and other aid organisations should consider purchasing it. This is subject to its availability at reasonable financial and logistical costs. Where only donations of GM varieties are available and developing countries object to their import solely on the basis of environmental risks, we recommend that it be provided in milled form (paragraph 5.42). This is because seeds from food aid donations are likely to be planted in developing countries, and it would be unacceptable to introduce a GM crop into any country against its will by this means.