5 June 2000
SAM FOSTER WELCOMES NEW BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVISORY BODY
Sam Foster, Minister for the Environment, has welcomed today's announcement about the establishment of a new independent body to advise Government on biotechnology development and strategy. Mr Foster also noted that Northern Ireland will be represented on the new Commission.
The Minister said, "I am particularly glad that the new Commission is to take forward the biotechnology debate on the basis of sound science with a broad range of interests and viewpoints represented in its membership.
"The Northern Ireland representative on the Commission is Mr John Gilliland, a local farmer in Londonderry. Mr Gilliland is an arable farmer with a particular interest in sustainable production systems and the pioneering of non food crops. His wide ranging knowledge both local and worldwide will bring a wealth of experience to the biotechnology debate."
The Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission will advise the UK Government and the devolved administrations on biotechnology issues that have an impact on agriculture and the environment. It will also ensure that ethical and acceptability issues are included in the biotechnology debate. To facilitate this it draws its members from diverse backgrounds, ranging from experience of consumer and "green" issues, to farming, science, ethics and the biotechnology industry.
The Commission will work alongside the Food Standards Agency and the Human Genetics Commission to complete the UK Government's new framework for strategic advice on biotechnology issues. This new framework complements but does not replace work already done by existing regulatory and advisory bodies.
Professor Malcolm Grant will Chair the AEBC and will report to the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Dr Mo Mowlam, as well as the devolved administrations.
In the national context, Dr Mowlam said at the launch that she wants the new Commission to be seen as the peoples GM voice in Government. She said:
"The new Commission will be a powerful body with strong consumer representation and will provide the Government with over-arching strategic advice on this controversial issue. It will be your voice in government."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The formation of the AEBC and Human Genetics Commission was announced in the Government's strategic review of the framework for overseeing developments in biotechnology in May 1999. The Food Standards Agency will provide the Government with advice about GM food. The HGC will look at the impact on humans of genetic technologies. The AEBC will address all other aspects of biotechnology.
- Chairman of the AEBC is Professor Malcolm Grant and Deputy Chairperson is Ms Julie Hill.
- Mr John Gilliland, the NI representative, is Chairman and Director of Rural Generation Ltd based at the Red Lodge, Brook Hall Estate, 67 Culmore Road, Londonderry BT48 8JE. A married man with 3 children, he enjoys travelling, studying world systems in Agriculture, Sailing and Fishing. He has a number of interests which are outlined below:
- Managing Partner Brook Hall Estate
- Director Home Grown Cereal Authority
- Deputy President Ulster Farmers Union
- Chairman of Ulster Farmers Union Central Seeds and Cereals Committee
- Member of Ulster Farmers Union Executive & Organisation Committees
- Member of British Biogen Council
- Chairman of NI Farm Quality Assured Cereals Scheme
- Member of RNLI Londonderry Branch
- Member of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Research and Development Strategy Committee
- Member of NI Centre of Energy Research and Technology Management Committee
- Member of European Commission DG VI Advisory Committees on Energy and Industrial Crops
- The AEBC's website address is www.aebc.gov.uk