Monsanto Company (Statement)

Monsanto Response To Prince Of Wales
Statement On Biotechnology

Monsanto welcomes the contribution the Prince of Wales has made to the discussion of biotechnology in the UK. We have long recognized the need to have a more informed discussion about genetically modified foods, which is why we've launched our new information campaign to present UK consumers with the scientific facts and benefits of biotechnology. We understand people's desire to have more information - about the science, about the products and about the regulatory process.

The results of yesterday's Swiss referendum on biotechnology demonstrate that people are able to come to their own conclusions about the future of this technology when they have all the information they need to make informed decisions.

We believe in the benefits of biotechnology and its role in creating new approaches to agriculture, nutrition and health. Respected regulatory agencies around the world, including the UK, have already decided that biotechnology crops are safe for the environment and for people to eat. Those decisions are backed up by over twenty years of scientific and environmental research and more than 20,000 field trials. The body of evidence about the value and safety of biotechnology is abundant and compelling.

Equally we believe it is right that consumers throughout Britain should have the right to make an informed choice. The UK government ensures that the interest of consumers is effectively represented in all aspects of the regulatory process. In addition, the key committees also include individuals who are primarily concerned with ethical and consumer issues.

To find out more on this subject, see these related articles:

• Prince of Veggies, 11/6/98, Wall Street Journal (Europe)
• Gene Prince, 9/6/98, The Guardian
• Seeds Of Disaster, 8/6/98, The Daily Telegraph

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