The role of science is no longer about discovering new "truth", but supporting the "story" which is perceived to be the truth.
He says this allows scientists to ignore contrary evidence, or worse, manipulate the evidence, if the cause is noble. Edmeades says that science has been eroded to the finding of research dollars and/or serving a political agenda. There is evidence of this in New Zealand as agricultural science "cuddles up" to the "organic dollar" and in the process imbues pseudo-science with a credibility it does not deserve.
But science must be open to scrutiny, especially if it is used to inform government policies. One agency that has caused much confusion is the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The World Health Organisation's cancer agency publishes evaluations - known as monographs - on whether certain chemicals, lifestyles and activities may cause cancer.
The agency's assessments have led to a number of everyday products, including coffee, aloe vera and talcum powder, being categorised as "possibly carcinogenic".
The assessments call into question the safety of the food we eat, the jobs we do and the products we use in our daily lives. The agency's work defines only the potential hazard of a substance. This can cause confusion as a hazard can be prevented by the risk principles put in place by policy-makers.
In the United Sates, the American Chemistry Council is launching what it calls a campaign for accuracy in public health research, and proposes a reform of the IARC's processes.
The council, which represents the US chemical companies, says the IARC's work "suffers from persistent scientific and process deficiencies that result in public confusion and misinformed policy-making".
Conclusions about a matter as important as our health must be non-biased, thorough and based on quality science that adheres to internationally recognised standards.
Agcarm is focused on ensuring that our regulators are able to continue to make decisions based on well-researched, sound science. Policy makers need a process for review that is consistent, transparent, science-based and as efficient as possible.
It is concerning that bad, incomplete, or misused science can cause public drama over the wrong things, yet it is rarely called out, whether wielded by the public, industry or regulators. Have facts ceased to matter as we march toward 100 per cent fact-free decision-making? As politics goes, so could public policy if we are not careful.
Mark Ross is chief executive of Agcarm, the industry association for companies which manufacture and distribute crop protection and animal health products.
