Evidence to The Agriculture And Environment Biotechnology Commission

Following the evidence submitted by the Trust to the Agriculture And Environment Biotechnology Commission in November 2000, Declan attended a public hearing in December, and reviewed the results in 2001. Much of our evidence highlighted the lack of research on the social and economic impacts/implications of biotechnology, especially on small farmers and other poorer groups in rural populations. This we proposed as an additional theme for the Commission's work, and it was indeed noted in the summary of themes circulated to those attending the public meeting. However, it was not discussed, the meeting being dominated by environmental arguments. We also stressed the potential importance of biotechnology for health, as well as the dangers of control of biological material by monopolistic firms. Unfortunately, the key strategic areas that are important for the debate appear to be submerged by tactical issues.

Our thanks go to Declan for maintaining his watching brief on this important topic during the year.