GM trials are a farce3 August 2000
Friends of the Earth has slammed the Government's latest announcement on the GM trials programme as "environmentally risky, scientifically worthless and politically stupid" after the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions announced the 25 locations which will be sown with GM oilseed rape this autumn. The crop will be sprayed with herbicide which is normally banned in the winter.
Strong words, but public concern about the GM trials programme has grown as yet more evidence emerges that GM pollen will spread and contaminate other crops despite industry assurances. Investigations into the Advanta imports of contaminated oilseed found that GM oilseed rape could pollinate conventional rape 4 km away, yet trials of crops will continue to be allowed in the UK with separation distances of 200 m or even less. The Department of Environment has promised to consult the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment on separation distances. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has decided to consult the biotech industry's own organisation SCIMAC for advice.
"The Government continues to gamble with the future of the British countryside, allowing companies to produce crops for which there isn't a market. Genetic pollution is now threatening our environment and the livelihoods of neighbouring farmers," said Friends of the Earth Real Food Campaigner, Adrian Bebb. "The public have shown they don't want these crops. But the Government is determined to stage yet another episode in this long-running farce. The trials programme is environmental risky, scientifically worthless and politically stupid."
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