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GM

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been planted in several places in Wales since 1998. Although no commercial planting of GM crops has taken place, there have been experimental trials of GM maize and oilseed rape in fields in Monmouthshire and Flintshire.

Campaigning by Friends of the Earth Cymru and others has ensured that no GM crop trials have happened in Wales in 2002.

Why worry?

Friends of the Earth Cymru opposes the planting of GM crops in Wales because genetic modification is an unproven technology which risks harming Wales' already shaken rural economy and unique environment.

Friends of the Earth Cymru is concerned about:

• GM crops cross-breeding with wild plants to generate weeds that are resistant to herbicides
• poorly tested GM crops pollinating and contaminating non-GM or organic crops
• greater use of environmentally harmful chemicals by farmers, leading to damage to our wildlife
• genes from GM plants crossing over into bacteria and fungi in the soil.
  

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Image © Ian Homer