Soil Association chairman Monty Don has called for a "broadening of dialogue" between the anti- and pro-GM camps. This came at Kew's recent Diploma & Prizes Day. Constructive dialogue between the anti- and pro-GM sides would certainly be welcome as opposed to confrontation. Both start from a similar point that any new technology must be treated cautiously. Rachel Carson's Silent Spring graphically taught us that half-a-century ago. Europeans have been healthily suspicious of plant and animal hydridisation since the mass importation of new species started in the 17th century. Subsequent eugenic experimentation and the Nazi holocaust increased fears and added reasons for caution. Inevitably, therefore, the attempted imposition of GM products by American companies, not least Monsanto in Europe, stirred public antagonism. The result is very suspicious shoppers and almost outright banning. Market surveys show that food labels that refer to GM ingredients, even those indicating their absence^ raise public concern.
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