11 MARCH 2000, Page 30

Animal and vegetable

From Mr E.B. Shaxson Sir: Your leading article of 4 March was no contribution to the genetically-modified food debate. You do not come to grips with the fundamental difference between natu- rally modified crops in nature as opposed to scientific modifications intended to out- wit nature, some containing animal genes and other unnatural introductions.

It is obviously reckless to conduct GM field trials unless they can be safely carried out without risking the irreversible genetic rape of our countryside.

It is odd for you to observe that we now worry about grain surpluses, and then to argue that it is an advantage to increase food production further by the use of GM crops.

At least Tony Blair got it right after con- siderable reflection, now believing that he was wrong to describe public concern as `mass hysteria'.

Bruce Shaxson

Grayshott, Surrey