We have to have rigorous testing and strong regulations. And we have to make sure that those involved in determining the safety of genetically-engineered products are staying at arm's length from the people who stand to profit from them. Let's be enthusiastic about the potential of biotechnology. But let's also understand and acknowledge all of the ethical, safety and ecological implications. We just learned last week of scientific evidence from a laboratory that some varieties of Bt corn may be lethal to the monarch butterfly.
Further research is needed.
We have to recognize that the application of biotechnology will have some unintended consequences, which will, in turn, trigger opposition from different constituencies. I would point out one of the motivating principles of using biotech in agriculture is to reduce the excessive use of pesticides which themselves may be harmful. We can't force feed GMOs to reluctant consumers. We can't lecture or shout down those who disagree with us. Instead, let's bring them along.