The Irish government committee charged with coming up with a coordinated position on biotechnology has come out in favour of developing genetic modification techniques, recommending both that field trials of genetically modified organisms continue and that government agencies encourage cultivation of genetically modified crops.

The report has dismayed environmental campaigners. The interdepartmental body was set up in March 1999 after a spate of unfavourable reports about the technology and growing public unease throughout Europe about the spread …