The British government has extended the period for public debate on genetically modified crops by three months and extended the budget for the consultation process by £500,000 (US$798,740).

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Margaret Beckett, the environment secretary, had at first refused to allow more time or money for the debate on whether GM crops should be grown in the UK, reported the Guardian. This despite the fact that Beckett received a letter from Professor Malcolm Grant, the chairman of the commission set up by the government to organise the debate saying he had not been given enough time or resources to complete the task by the end of June.


Environmental groups have claimed that the government wanted the debate over and done with before results of farm-scale trials of GM crops became known in July.


Yesterday [Wednesday], Beckett admitted “it would now be impracticable for the steering board to deliver its report by the end of June” in a letter to Grant, quoted by the Guardian.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now