Regardless of what anyone says, ultimately it is consumers who will decide whether GM crops ever reach the dinner table.

GM crops

Video: Minister Puts GM Food Back On Table

Thomas Moore

Health and Science Correspondent

Thomas Moore

A decade ago activists in biohazard suits trashed genetically-modified (GM) crops and warned the public of the risks of eating so-called Frankenfoods.

The scare ensured supermarkets steered well clear of any produce with a trace of genetic modification. And even now people in Britain don't consume GM food.

But the Environment Secretary wants to rehabilitate the science.

Owen Paterson says GM food is grown widely and eaten around the world, without any evidence of harm to human health or the environment.

With the world population expected to grow by another two billion in 40 years food production needs to rise.

And new GM technology could allow farmers to grow crops in areas affected by drought, flood and even salt contamination.

Here in Britain it could help farmers grow crops in an increasingly unpredictable climate and perhaps keep food prices down.

And there could be health benefits from GM technology too.

For example, 'Miracle rice' which contains a gene that ensures the grains are packed with vitamin A could prevent half a million children a year in the developing world from dying or going blind.

But against all that there remain deep suspicions.

It's seen as tampering with nature's genetic blueprint, a threat to bio-diversity in the countryside and another example of big business profiting from poor farmers in the developing world.

Ultimately it is consumers who will decide whether GM crops ever reach the dinner table.

If they recognise the benefits, then Mr Paterson's rallying call will be seen as well judged.

If they still see the same old risks, the technology will never make it out of the lab.