DEFRA secretary of state Owen Paterson has urged EU policy makers to reconsider their stance on GM technology.

Speaking at the NFU conference today, Paterson said the rest of the world is reaping the benefits of GM while the EU 'risks being left behind'.

Paterson lamented BASF's decision to withdraw its blight-resistant potato, describing the move as a 'wake-up call' for governments.

'We must address the paralysis in the current system,' he said. 'I appreciate there are strong opinions on this but respected scientific opinion shows GM crops are no more dangerous than conventional. We need to make the case to the public with a balanced understanding of the risks and benefits.'