A wide-ranging view of the GM controversy is the aim of a new book published this month. Malcolm Grant, head of the government’s public GM consultation and Sir Sam Edwards, former Director of the Science Research Council are among the contributors.

The book features papers from a Cambridge University meeting which brought together leading spokesmen. It has been edited by biologist and author Brian J Ford (pictured) who also oversaw the publication.

Ford says that commercial entrepreneurs with short-term interests certainly exist, ‘I have met some,’ he says in his introduction. ‘Yet, nobody has ever suggested that – because there are window salesmen who are high on pressure (and low on principle) – we should forever abandon the benefits of double-glazing.’

Paradoxically, GM technology could be used to reduce the pollution of the planet by toxic sprays. The book documents how attitudes have been changing. Sir Brian Heap, former Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society, states in his chapter that the ‘earlier ruthless disregard’ for public concerns has changed as companies pledge, for example, not to promote GM technologies that result in sterile seeds. Professor Malcolm Grant examines the contrast between the scientific acceptance of many aspects of GM technology and the public rejection of it.

Sir John Marsh, Professor Emeritus at Reading, argues that GM crops ‘may increase the ability to respond to lifestyle changes. Foods may be designed to cope better with the problems of storage or processing and may be more uniform’. Fewer pesticide sprays may be needed too. Colin Merritt of Monsanto shows how cases of pesticide poisoning in South Africa have been greatly reduced since GM cotton was introduced.

The book is published by Rothay House.