Cabinet Office

New GM Advisory Body Is 'Your Voice In Government'

A new independent strategic body was launched today to advise the Government on biotechnology. The Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) will advise the Government on any GM issues that have an impact on agriculture and the environment. It will also look at the ethical and acceptability issues surrounding GM technology.

Welcoming the new commission, Dr Mowlam said:

"The new commission will be a powerful body with strong consumer representation and will provide the Government with over-arching strategic advice on this controversial issue. It will be your voice in government.

"The members of the Commission will come from a wide range of backgrounds with experience of consumer and environmental issues, as well as farming, science, ethics and the biotechnology industry. This broad membership will ensure that the commission looks beyond the science and beyond the regulatory framework. They need to be able to explore the issues that matter to people most.

"I and my colleagues in DETR and MAFF recognise that people have concerns and fears about GM crops. We firmly believe this new commission will help us to meet and address these.

"The commission will work alongside the Food Standards Agency and the Human Genetics Commission to complete the Government's new framework for strategic advice on biotechnology issues. This new framework complements but does not replace the day to day work already done by existing regulatory and advisory bodies.

The AEBC will be chaired by Professor Malcolm Grant. Speaking at the launch Professor Grant outlined his objectives for the new Commission:

"I am looking forward to meeting the challenge of providing the Government with the best possible strategic advice. I too, want people to see the commission as their voice on this issue. I promise that at all times we will be open, inclusive and as transparent as possible."

The new commission was launched at Greys, a LEAF Demonstration Farm in Royston, Hertfordshire. Dr Mowlam emphasised the importance of LEAF's work, 'Linking Environment and Farming'.

"GM technology offers potential benefits for agriculture, but we must ensure that concerns are fully addressed through our strict regulatory process and through commissions such as the AEBC. This new commission will be addressing important agricultural and environmental issues. It is particularly fitting that the commission is being launched on World Environment Day."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The formation of the AEBC and HGC was announced in the Government's strategic review of the framework for overseeing developments in biotechnology in May 1999. The Food Standards Agency will provide the Government with advice about GM food. The Human Genetics Commission will look at the impact of genetic technologies. The AEBC will address all other aspects of biotechnology, except food
    
2. A full list of commission members is attached together with its terms of reference.
    
3. The AEBC's website address is: www.aebc.gov.uk
    
4. For further information about LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) contact the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ. Tel: 024 764 13911