Despite yesterday's controversial speech by environmental secretary Owen Paterson backing the implementation of genetically modified crops across Britain, Waitrose insists it will continue to block GM technology from its food production.
Speaking this week at the opening of a new Waitrose branch in Greenwich, MD Mark Price questioned the need for GM technology. Waitrose is currently the only major UK retailer to ban GM feed for its chickens.
'We intend to stay GM free for as long as possible and I can't help but feel that it is a technology looking for a problem to solve,' said Price.
Price suggested that the real problem lies within high farming inputs and believes that the government should instead invest in R&D looking into more sustainable farming methods.
He added: 'Are we really using our land and crops the best way we can? I don't think so.'
Meanwhile, Caroline Drummond, CEO of environmental farming organisation LEAF, agrees with Price's views on farmers working more sustainably. However, she insists that GM could still be a beneficial tool for growers if properly implemented.
She explained: 'There is no denying theimportance of beneficial husbandry practices through the adoption of Integrated Farm Management. Rotations, safe use of inputs, cultivation choice, variety choice, good record keeping and management systems such as those advocated by LEAF are essential. GM will never be an alternative to these practices but it has the potential to be one of the tools in the box.”
Back in 2008, Prince Charles claimed that the introduction of GM crops was capable of causing the 'biggest-ever environmental disaster.'
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