§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports he has received on research conducted in the People's Republic of China about(a) the yields of genetically modified crops and (b) the quantities of chemical treatments used for such crops as opposed to non-genetically modified crops. [91731]
§ Mr. RookerI have received no such reports about research conducted in the People's Republic of China.
§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of reports from the industry that genetically modified crops grown in the United States and in China produce higher yields and are treated with lower levels of chemicals than the equivalent non-genetically modified crops grown in the same countries. [92098]
§ Mr. RookerI have received no such reports from either the United States or the People's Republic of China.
However, a summary of a US Department of Agriculture Report comparing GM and non-GM crops appears on the internet and indicates that there was no difference in yield and pesticide use in some areas; a significant increase in yield in six out of 18 areas; and a decrease in pesticide use in some regions. UK farming conditions are different to those in the US and it is difficult to tell how relevant the results may be to this country.