Genetic modification (GM) of crops will play a key role in ensuring British farmers are competitive in global markets, according to DEFRA Secretary for State, Elizabeth Truss.

The British food minister told delegates at the Oxford farming conference on Wednesday that she believed that GM technology had the potential to lower water and pesticide usage in the production of crops.

She said: “I would like British farmers to have access to technology that allows them to be competitive on a global stage.”

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In a speech clearly tailored to her largely farming audience, she said that Brussels needs to recognise that European farmers are now competing across the globe and that policy must allow them to be competitive, not add to the cost burden.

Specific reference was made to the impact of the three crop rule. “As soon as the European commission started work, I went to see Commissioner Hogan to work to secure an urgent review in the three crop rule and simpler greening requirements.”

Greening

In further discussion with the Irish Farmers Journal, she stated that she was very keen to see simplification of greening, commenting that there was no indication that the measures would deliver environmental benefits.

With political pressure mounting from anti-EU parties, her address was clearly sculpted to not only help anchor the Conservatives’ commitment to British food production, but also to appeal to the patriotic voter. She clearly threw her weight behind the “Buy British” campaign and the importance of food and farming as a core part of the Government’s long-term economic plan.

On the specific issue of Britain leaving the EU, she said: “The Conservative party are pro-Europe, but on better terms”, warning that “if we don’t get what we want then all options will be considered”.

In the context of agriculture, she said: “Ultimately we want to see far more decisions to be taken in Britain for the benefit of British producers”.