No consensus on genetic engineering

The newspaper comments on the dispute in France over a ban on genetically modified organisms: "Academics and researchers have now bid farewell to the passionate discussion, and left it to politicians and organisations to work out a seemingly unattainable consensus. French researchers working in established and highly-respected institutions are not at all against genetic engineering in principle. ... However surveys show that the a majority of the French population - who are well-nourished even without genetically modified plants - are against it. But what will happen in ten years? Genetically modified organisms significantly improve corn yields. Bearing in mind the growing demand for cereals, countries with the best harvests will be the most competitive. By contrast, the demand for expensive French cereals will plummet."

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