v. 53

The issues discussed in this paper illustrate that GM has potential benefits and risks, and that these are not restricted to GM per se, but are applicable to 'conventional' breeding technologies and existing forestry practices, many of which are readily certified. Ideally each gene modification should be examined in isolation and against equivalent certification procedures. This would necessitate a more explicit risk/benefit assessment, rather than a politicised, unconditional ban on a potentially beneficial technology.