Government in shambles over GM mistake

28 April 2000

Friends of the Earth (FOE) Cymru has discovered that there were plans to grow a genetically modified (GM) crop in Wales as part of the Government's farm scale trials into the effects of GM crops on the environment. After a day of confusion and initial denials, Welsh Assembly officials contacted the UK Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) admitting it had made a mistake in claiming on its website that the site was in England. The site had never been intended for Wales after all, but for a site just over the English border.

The crop, T25 fodder maize, is the same that Welsh Agriculture Secretary Christine Gwyther recently supported for inclusion on the National Seed List, over-ruling the opinion of the Assembly's Agriculture Committee.

"This has been a complete shambles. DETR now say the trial was never intended to be in Wales, but rather in fields across the border in England. We have now been told that the DETR will be contacting the biotech company concerned, which will either direct the farmer to move the site, or remove his authority to do the trial," said Friends of the Earth Cymru's GM Campaigner Raoul Bhambral. "I am surprised at the complete lack of organisation and coordination being shown here. It does not inspire confidence in the Government's handling of the GM issue. No wonder people up and down the country are demonstrating against the trials. Yet again the farm scale trials are looking like a farce."

Mike German, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly for Wales, commented, "Whether the crops are three inches in Wales or three inches in England the risk of cross pollination remains. When you have a GM trial within metres of the border the implications for Wales' status as a GM-free environment is still the same.

"The sites have been selected without any consultation with local people, and there is no statutory right to object. However, FOE Cymru is urging people to campaign against the trials. A free information pack, outlining how people can oppose these trials, is available from FOE in London (0207 490 1555) or from Friends of the Earth Cymru, 33 The Balcony, Castle Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1BY.

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