In a recent book chapter (Giller et al. 2017), we suggest that genetic engineering could be considered a powerful tool for agroecology - I quote "if we consider that agroecology is fundamentally about harnessing biology and biological processes then it could be argued that genetic engineering is one of the most powerful (potential) tools of agroecology".
As we argue, this clearly this depends on the traits concerned - not on the breeding technology per se. I think the HLPE should consider and debate this issue.
Giller, K.E., Andersson, J.A., Sumberg, J. & Thompson, J. (2017) A golden age for agronomy? Agronomy for Development (ed J. Sumberg), pp. 150-160. Earthscan, London.
Ken Giller