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FOE FURY OVER WELSH GM CROP TRIAL

Friends of the Earth Cymru reacted furiously to news today that GM crops would be planted at a site in Sealand in North Wales. Representatives of the National Assembly for Wales, including Carwyn Jones the rural affairs minister, met the farmer last week to try and persuade him not to proceed. The site is the only GM farm scale trial in Wales.

Friends of the Earth Cymru campaigner Neil Crumpton said:

"It's outrageous that this GM crop trial is to proceed. It shows the disregard that both the farmer and biotech industry have for local opinion and the National Assembly. The GM companies are now firmly in the driving seat and they are determined to force their unwanted crops on us all, regardless of the environmental consequences or of public opinion."

In May 2000, the National Assembly unanimously backed a cross-party motion calling for Wales to have a GM-free environment policy. The motion was passed 54 votes to nil.

Friends of the Earth has challenged all parliamentary candidates to support a new law on GM liability. This would make biotech companies pay compensation for any damage caused by their GM crops.