Royal Horticultural Society, p 879, November 2003.

In recent years the debate on the potential benefits and possible risks from genetically modified crops has, sadly, become polarised and generated more smoke than light in the consideration of this complex issue.

This excellent and readable book follows the proceedings of a major conference held in Cambridge and objectively addresses the economic, social, biological, environmental, food-safety amd food-supply issues involved.

Contributors include Professor Sir Malcolm Grant, Chairman of the Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology Commission, who has worked on the national public debate on genetic modification (GM); Professor Sir John Marsh, who considers the impact of GM on food and farming, Professor Joe Perry examines the environmental issues and Sir Brian Heap covers GM crops and the Third World.

They dispassionately set out the pros and cons of the core issues, and resognise that science alone will not carry the arguments, but warn that emotionalism is not a sound basis for decision making.

This short book is a must for anyone who wishes to understand the complex issues involved in this crucial and emotive debate.

John Macleod
RHS Professor of Horticulture