Research on genetically modified organisms, which are derived from
modern technology, should be encouraged but the general use of such
organisms should be restrained and adopted according to
circumstances, said Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin at the 2002
annual meeting of the
China Development
Forum.
"The Ministry of
Agriculture always has taken active measures to popularize
genetically modified cottons and flowers. As for modified food
crops such as soybeans -- although we offer great support for
research, we still are strict and restrained about their general
use. Modified food could have an impact on consumers' benefit and
sustainable development," Du Qinglin said.
To
strengthen the management of genetically modified organisms, the
State Council issued last May the Regulations on Safety Management
of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms. Subsequently, the
Ministry of Agriculture issued three regulations -- on safety,
import and labeling of agricultural genetically modified organisms
-- that took effect on March 20.
(中新社 [China News
Agency]; translated by Zhang Hui for china.org.cn, April 10,
2002)