Preface

The role of science and new genetic technologies in food production is an area of considerable controversy and concern to many people across the world. It is an area in which there are strongly conflicting views and opinions, in which scientific progress and individual morals and beliefs are often opposed, and in which the science itself is sometimes uncertain and open to interpretation. However, food security is also one of the major challenges facing humanity, and new genetic technologies have real potential to ameliorate the current situation—a world in which some 850 million people lack access to sufficient nutritious food at affordable prices. Hence, the scientific community has a duty to responsibly develop and explain its research in this area. This review, and the associated web-site (www.icsu.org) are an attempt to do just that.

In recent years, there have been many national and international expert reports on genetically modified foods (GMFs) and there is a wealth of information available in these reports. This information should be informing the ongoing debate amongst all stakeholders–scientists, policy makers and society at large. In 2001, when the International Council for Science (ICSU) first considered how it could most usefully contribute to this area, the obvious response was to try and build on this wealth of existing information. As a first step, and in the specific context of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, 2002), ICSU produced a report on Biotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture[1], which was an attempt to analyse the state of existing scientific knowledge, with specific regard to new genetic technologies and agriculture.

The second step, which is presented in this review, was to attempt to bring together and analyse in a more systematic way, existing authoritative reports from national science academies and other bodies and to make them more readily accessible. In practice, this has been a very challenging task. This review gives an overview and analysis of the issues addressed in 50 recent expert reports and identifies areas of convergence, divergence and gaps in knowledge. In addition to the print version, this material is available via the Internet at www.icsu.org and on CD-ROM for individuals who do not have easy access to online materials. The internet and CD-ROM versions also provide valuable additional information in an easily searchable format. This includes an annotated bibliography, which summarizes the findings and recommendations of individual reports, as well as links to these reports to facilitate further investigation. Having brought this information together, ICSU plans to maintain and up-date it as a reference tool, which will be freely and openly accessible to all.

So, what does collecting and analysing all this information tell us? Firstly, it shows that 50 independent and authoritative scientific enquiries—carried out by different groups in different parts of the world, and for different reasons—are largely in agreement in their response on the major questions concerning GMFs: Who needs them? Are they safe to eat? Will there be any effects on the environment? Are the regulations adequate? Will they affect trade? This in itself is a very significant and important outcome. On some of the multiple and often complex issues underlying these questions, we learn that there is a large degree of consensus, whilst on other issues there are differing views. The identification of these areas of divergence and gaps in knowledge represent another important outcome of this review. It should help all those who are involved in defining future research agendas, whether they be at local, national or international levels. With regards to policy development and trade implications, the review also has a number of important implications. Whilst science is only one of many factors that influence political decisions, the scientific consensus reflected in this review helps to provide a sound basis for policy development.

ICSU is grateful to Dr Gabrielle Persley, of the Doyle Foundation, who has carried out this major analysis and written the review, as well as the many scientists and others who have advised throughout. On behalf of all of them and of ICSU, I offer this review to all those who are interested in using science for the benefit of society, and the role of genetic technologies in this context.

[1] International Council for Science. 2002. ICSU Series on Science for Sustainable Development No. 6: Biotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture. 45 pp. ISSN 1683-3686.