AGRICULTURE Minister Han Changfu told a press conference at the annual session of the National People’s Congress on Thursday that he eats genetically modified (GM) food, mainly soybean oil.

    He said that although Chinese transgenic research lags behind that of developed countries, an international, advanced level has been reached in some fields, such as genetically modified cotton, which has a 95 percent share of the domestic market.

    Han said China has established laws and regulations that cover transgenic research, production, processing, marketing and import licensing, as well as mandatory product identification.

    “Transgenic technology is a new concept to many people so it’s understandable that some are worried about it. It needs time for people to get to know and accept it,” he said.

    Supporters and opponents are stoking the debate after the Ministry of Agriculture granted safety certificates for the domestic production of two types of GM paddy rice and one type of GM corn in 2009.

    Supporters include well-known science advocate Fang Zhouzi, who claimed that opportunities should be provided for Chinese people to eat GM food every day, while opponents include Cui Yongyuan, a former famous CCTV anchor.

    Meanwhile, Han Changfu also stressed that rural land transfers should be carried out in a gradual and orderly manner and should not be forced as local governments rush to achieve their reform goals.(SD-Xinhua)

    (More on P4)