We also believe that we need better opportunities for civil society to debate the appropriateness of agricultural biotechnology and direct its course. Not only do consumers have the right to know what they are eating, but with labeling they can use purchasing decisions to influence the extent to which producers rely on the technology. Until much more is known about the risks and benefits, this is clearly a prudent course. Furthermore, we believe in asking whether genetic engineering will enhance or detract from a broader effort that is needed to reduce the harm to our environment caused by modern agriculture. In particular, we believe practices that move agriculture toward greater biological diversity, fewer chemical inputs, and better designed agroecosystems deserve greater attention and more research support.
Genetic engineering raises complex and difficult issues.
UCS has an important role to play in helping the public to understand what is known and not known.