The trial was given the green light by Defra after a 48-day public consultation and will test whether the GM crop carries out photosynthesis more efficiently, potentially resulting in higher yield. It will take place between 2017 and 2019 at Rothamsted Farm.
A review of the plans satisfied the independent Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment. It said all scientific issues raised by the public have been addressed.
The plants have been developed by scientists at Rothamsted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Essex and Lancaster University. The University of Essex’s Prof Christine Raines said: “To date photosynthesis has not been used to select for high yielding crops in conventional breeding programmes. It represents an unexploited opportunity.”
Rothamsted’s Dr Malcolm Hawkesford said: “This will be a significant step forward as we will be able to assess in ‘real environmental conditions’ the potential of these plants to produce more using the same resources and land area as their non-GM counterparts.
“These field trials are the only way to assess the viability of a solution that can bring economic benefits to farmers, returns to the UK taxpayer from the long-term investment in this research, benefits to the UK economy as a whole and the environment in general. Here at Rothamsted we are very happy to provide any further information and explanation on this area of research”.
NFU comment
Minette Batters, Deputy President of the NFU, said: “This trial by Rothamsted Research, having met all statutory safety requirements, is indeed good news. British farmers will welcome this research.
“Many feel frustrated at missing out on technology that their international peers have embraced and benefitted from for 20 years. With current wheat yields at a plateau and the ever-present challenge to protect crops from pests and disease we need to look at smarter options so British farmers can continue producing high quality crops.
“The NFU has long argued that British farmers should have the choice to access the best new technologies such as plant breeding to ensure they can remain competitive and produce high quality food while protecting the environment.
“We will be monitoring the progress of Rothamsted’s trial with keen interest.”