The Sainsbury Laboratory prepares for blight-resistant GM potato trial

After gaining government consent to field-test a genetically-modified potato, Norwich-based scientists are seeking to prove the agricultural benefits 
of GM technology – and win public approval from those who still doubt it. The subject of genetically-modified (GM) crops – and whether their commercial cultivation should be allowed in the UK – has polarised opinions for many years. And scientific reports in recent weeks have reignited some familiar arguments. First, the US National Academies of Science (NAS) concluded that GM crops are safe to eat, after reviewing more than 900 studies and data covering the 20 years since they were introduced in America. That was quickly followed by a report by the UK’s Royal Society, which also says there has been no evidence of ill health effects. More