What is UCSs stance on biotechnology and genetic engineering?
The Union of Concerned Scientists does not support or oppose genetic engineering per se. With respect to some applications, such as the production of pharmaceuticals by genetically engineered bacteria, the benefits are clear and compelling. In the food system, however, we find the risk-benefit calculus more difficult. For example, while it is possible that the planting of genetically engineered crops might reduce some pesticide use over the short term, it is also possible that a new breed of super-resistant weeds will develop, compounding the already difficult task of controlling invasive species. Because the technology is new, data from field research are scarce. Thus, there is little certainty about either the risks or the benefits from many of the agricultural biotechnology products now entering the marketplace. (For a comprehensive assessment of the current state of research, see “The Ecological Risks and Benefits of Genetically Engineered Plants,” Science, 15 December 2000.) And y
