'Embrace GM Monsanto' urges Europe

Grocer, July 12, 2008

Monsanto has called on Europe to "stop sitting on its hands" and embrace GM food production.

As demand for food, feed and fuel put increasing pressure on resources, high-yield farming would be essential, said Monsanto biotech manager Colin Merritt at last week's Royal Show.

Merritt made a strong case for marker-assisted breeding, on which Monsanto spends 1m [pounds sterling] a day.

The second generation of the genetically modified soya bean, due to come out next year, would give 10% greater yield enhancement compared with the older variety and would be be adopted very quickly in some countries, he said.