Ananova:

A scientist says that public unease about genetically-modified organisms and their use in agriculture is based on sound and well founded instinct.

Dr Ulrich Loening, retired director of the Centre for Human Ecology, in Edinburgh, says it must be accepted that, historically, human farming techniques have played a major part in reducing biodiversity.

Giving evidence at the Transport and Environment Committee at the Scottish Parliament, Dr Loening says important areas of the GM debate have not been given sufficient attention.

"Given that the arguments are set in the context of feeding the world next century, many areas of biology and ecology that are relevant have been neglected," he said.

"Beneath the hype and concern for safety, there may lie an intuitive and profound understanding that agricultural development is heading in the wrong direction. History suggests concerns such as these often prove to be right - instincts are often sound.

"In general, public perception has always been ahead of science and then the science comes along to confirm their view."

But Dr Loening says he would have no qualms about eating GM foods such as potatoes, adding: "I don't think GM crops pose a threat to the human population."

Earlier, Kevin Dunion of Friends of the Earth Scotland, told the committee he believed there was a need for greater transparency in the Scottish Executive's handling of the GM issue.