GM-test site to be planted in Flintshire

A GM Farm Scale trial is due to be planted in Flintshire, North Wales despite opposition from the National Assembly for Wales and the public. The site - a few yards inside the Welsh border - was apparently withdrawn late last month after the Government discovered that it was in Wales, and not in Cheshire as they had believed. However, yesterday, GM seed company Aventis confirmed that it still intends to grow GM fodder maize at the site.

It had been though that Wales would be a GM-free zone. However, the Government and Aventis say that the site can be drilled without consulting the Welsh Assembly, and despite opposition to its siting in Wales. FOE Cymru says that this demonstrates that the Government has lost control of the GM issue to the biotech companies. The group has urged the Assembly to adopt a sound environmental policy that will give it control over GM crops in Wales.

The GM maize was discussed by the National Assembly's Agriculture Committee in March as part of the National Seed Listing process. The Committee received information from UK Government officials on the safety of the GM crop. They voted 6 -0 to reject the application for the seed to be placed on the National List. However their recommendation was over-ruled by Agriculture Secretary Christine Gwyther following pressure from Whitehall. A final decision on listing the GM maize will come after public hearings and appeals is due later in the year.

Raoul Bhambral, GM Campaigner for Friends of the Earth Cymru, said:

"GM crops are due to be grown in Wales without the National Assembly having been consulted and despite massive public opposition. So much for devolution. If the crop is planted then GM pollen will be spread by wind and insects, and the livelihood of neighbouring maize and sweetcorn growers and beekeepers will be threatened. We urge the Government, Aventis and the farmer to respect the wishes of the National Assembly and the people of Wales and withdraw the site today".