The National Farmers Union has given its backing to a pledge by GM companies to communicate with the public better.

The newly-formed Agricultural Biotechnology Council (ABC), which consists of the UK's six largest biotech companies, last week made the commitment to 'communicate more transparently and effectively than before', after survey it commissioned showed people want better information on the subject.

NFU vice-president Michael Paske said: 'It is important that farmers and the public have access to the information they want and need to make an informed decision about the role of biotechnology in Britain.

'The debate on this technology must be based on the best scientific evidence if the potential benefits and concerns associated with this innovation can be fully explored.'