This image was released following the announcement by scientists that they had produced a living cell with a nucleus containing man-made DNA. (J. Craig Venter Institute/Canadian Press)

The National Farmers Union says the development of a synthetic cell could lead to worrisome, long-term consequences.

In a release issued Saturday from Saskatoon, NFU president Terry Boehm called this week's announcement of the world's first "100 per cent synthetic life form" a risk "for humankind and the environment."

"This new technology raises serious concerns about who controls it, what it will be used for, and its potential impact," Boehm said.

On Thursday, scientists from the J. Craig Venter Institute in Rockville, Md., said they had created what they described as a synthetic cell designed by humans.

While the scientific development was only an incremental step toward custom-made organisms, it has already attracted considerable debate.

"We cannot imagine the implications of synthetic-life technology," Boehm said.

"All too often farmers and nature bear the brunt of the exploitive potential of these new technologies," the NFU added in its statement, noting the impact of genetically modified plants and synthetic chemicals such as PCBs and DDT.

"We need to very carefully consider … the regulations, ethics and moral questions raised by interfering with nature," Boehm added.

"Agriculture has always tried to work with nature," said Boehm, who is a grain farmer. "It succeeds the best when it works with nature. Now we're creating something outside of that."

He said his group will lobby government to ensure strong regulations are in place to protect the environment.

"I really can't imagine what will flow from [this science]," he said. "This is something that can reproduce itself and there will be no natural checks and balances."

Boehm said the NFU is the largest direct-membership farm organization in Canada, outside Quebec, with about 7,500 members.