Groups unite to stop GM contamination in Wales

An alliance of groups will get together on 23 February to call for strict laws in Wales to prevent contamination of organic and conventional farming if GM crops are ever grown in Wales again. The event comes as the Assembly Government is considering legislation on the subject [see note].

Friends of the Earth Cymru, the Farmers' Union of Wales, the National Federation of Women's Institutes - Wales and GM Free Cymru have come together to arrange a reception at the Assembly building to call for tough regulations to govern any future planting of GM crops.

The cross-party event will start at 1 pm in Committee Room F of the National Assembly building in Cardiff Bay. It is sponsored by Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey, Labour AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire.

It will be co-sponsored by:

• Mick Bates, Liberal Democrat AM for Montgomery
• Glyn Davies, Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales ;
• Helen Mary Jones, Plaid Cymru AM for Mid and West Wales ;
• Dr John Marek, Independent AM for Wrexham

Representatives of the organisations involved will be speaking at the meeting, as will the sponsoring Assembly Members.

Julian Rosser, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru commented:

"Until we see evidence that GM crops are safe for human health and the environment they should not be planted in Wales . We will be continuing our campaign to keep Wales GM Free. Even so, there is a risk that GM crops will be planted in Wales . If that happens then laws should be in place to ensure that other farmers' crops are not contaminated. It is vital that the Assembly puts in place tough regulations to protect our environment and to preserve our right to choose GM Free food."

Rhian Connick, Head of the National Federation of Women's Institutes - Wales commented:

"WI members are not convinced that there is proof of the need for GM. The current generation of GM crops have proven more damaging to the environment than their conventional counterparts, and that cross pollination seems inevitable, meaning if GM crops were to be grown in Wales, it would almost certainly mean a de facto end to consumer choice, and irreversible damage to our countryside. The WI hopes that if GM crops are to be grown in Wales that the Welsh Assembly Government will set strict laws to prevent GM contamination and that those responsible for the contamination are held to account and made to pay for any damaged caused."

FUW President Gareth Vaughan said:

"The FUW has long-standing concerns over the issue of GM contamination and the effectiveness of separation distances. The Union has also argued that the liability rules must safeguard those producers whose businesses would be affected through GM contamination.

"As a result, the Union supports four core principles - the right to choose GM-free food, strict laws to prevent GM contamination, liability laws to ensure bio-tech companies pay if anything goes wrong, and meaningful protection for organic farmers."

Dr Brian John of GM Free Cymru commented:

"It is our belief that the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops is impossible. On that basis, we will work with the Assembly Government to ensure that regulations are put in place to ensure that GM farmers and seed owners accept full liability for the inevitable contamination of crops and foods produced by others. We believe that as the law exists, there are ample scientific grounds for the banning of all GM crops from our country. We now have to turn the aspiration of a GM Free Wales into a reality."

Note

Stop GM Contamination