Princess backs GM crops

The Princess Royal has spoken out in favour of genetically modified (GM) crops, putting her at odds with the Prince of Wales.

Princess Anne conceded the impact of GM crops might not be seen for a long time, but said to rule out the scientific technique “just in case” was not practical.

Her views appear contrary to Charles, a passionate organic farmer who in past years has spoken out against GM and is royal patron of the Soil Association, which has campaigned against GM crops and ingredients in human and animal food. Anne’s comments were made in an interview on radio.

The Princess Royal, who farms in Gloucestershire, said: “GM is one of those things that divides people, but surely if we’re going to be better at producing food of the right value then we have to accept

“GM is one of those things that divides people”

that genetic technology – whether you call it modification or anything else – is going to be part of that.”

The princess added: “Most of us will argue that we’ve been genetically modifying food since man started to be agrarian, but everybody will say, ‘well, it doesn’t happen so quickly’.

“So being able to understand what those changes mean, if you change one aspect of a plant, then how does it affect the rest of the environment around it, does it have a long-term impact? There’s probably a very long-term impact and we may not see that for quite a long time.

“And to say, ‘no, we mustn’t go there just in case’, is probably not a practical argument.”

Asked if, in a postBrexit UK where growing GM crops was allowed, she could see the plants being cultivated on her land, she replied “yes”.