EDITORIAL
Study and monitor biotech foods, but no ban

A recent National Academy of Sciences report on biologically engineered food crops, while it appears to raise concerns about the controversial foodstuffs, may actually support this important industry.

This is of no small concern for Hawai'i, which has established a robust seed corn industry and is on the brink of expanding into other exciting biotech possibilities.

The study was ordered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to criticism that it has been lax in its oversight and regulation of biologically engineered crops.

Our view is that this, like all science, must be handled carefully. But there is no reason why we should retreat from the great possibilities that scientifically altered food crops offer.

In essence, bioengineering of crops through genetic manipulation is simply a more high-tech version of what farmers and growers have done since the beginning of agriculture.

The Academy of Sciences report suggests that there should be greater study of biotech crops before they are approved for release and greater monitoring of them once they are in general use. It also says that there should be more sharing of research data.

All that makes sense. Indeed, over time, it should reassure the fears of those who raise the specter of "Frankenfoods."