China 'must stay on top' of GM crop research

More effort will be put into the study of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their supervision, as well as educating the public about the issue, an official said yesterday.

"GM technology is very promising and we must stay on top of GM research as China has quite limited agricultural resources," said Han Jun, deputy head of the office for the central leading group on agricultural work.

Thanks to a group of "outstanding scientists," China has attained a leading position in GM rice and corn research, Han said.

"Our GMO market should not be saturated by foreign brands," he told a news briefing.

China has set up strict supervision mechanisms to monitor GMO research, tests, production and imports, and it supports innovative GMO research, strict supervision and prudent production, he said.

This year’s campaign will also see the promotion of knowledge about GMOs so that the public has a clear and comprehensive understanding of them, Han said, adding that many Chinese still "turn pale" at the mere mention of GMOs.

Supporters believe GM technology can increase yields on marginal lands, reduce chemical use and help increase levels of vitamin A and iron in crops.

Opponents argue that the long-term effects of GMOs on humans and the environment are unknown.

China has taken a cautious approach to GM crops. It currently approves only the production of GM cotton and papaya.

However, the country is a major importer of GM farm produce, buying more than 71 million tons of soybeans last year, the bulk of which were GMOs, Han said.

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