Welsh GM decision still in balance

The Welsh Assembly has still to decide whether or not it will agree to the commercial development of GM crops it said today.

Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside, Carwyn Jones, said in a statement that "no decision has yet been made" on whether to agree to the addition of Chardon LL (a GM maize crop) to the National List. Adding Chardon LL to the National List needs the agreement of all four UK administrations.

Carwyn Jones said that "The Assembly Government is concerned that sufficient controls should be in place to protect organic and conventional crops from possible GM contamination, thereby maintaining consumer choice. For this reason, I am in discussion with my colleagues in Defra and other devolved administrations to explore the possible introduction of GB wide co-existence measures, which could be put in place to protect organic and conventional crops."

Friends of the Earth Cymru's Director Julian Rosser said:

"The Assembly is right to be concerned about the threat that GM crops pose to organic and conventional crops. The best way to prevent this is to refuse to allow GM maize to be placed on the National List. The Assembly must not cave in to the UK Government. It has the powers, public support and a strong scientific case for protecting our food and farming from GM pollution."

Notes

Friends of the Earth is concerned that there is currently no legal framework to protect non-GM and organic farmers from contamination or to establish liability for any damage caused. A Private Member's Bill is currently being taken forward by Gregory Barker MP, supported by Friends of the Earth, which would address this legal shortfall. The Bill would introduce separation distances and times between GM crops and other crops and a strict liability code and liability funds to ensure that if organic or conventional crops are contaminated by GMOs, those affected can be reimbursed for their losses. It will be debated in Parliament on 26th March 2004.