GM farm scale trials threaten UK honey

16 May 2000

Beekeepers must move hives at least six miles from the nearest GM trial site in a bid to keep honey free from GM contamination. The advice comes from the British beekeeping industry after Friends of the Earth found that shop-bought honey, grown near GM test sites for oilseed rape and maize, contained GM pollen.

However, if GM crops get full commercial approval the location of the GM sites will not have to be made public so beekeepers will be unable to move hives.

Friends of the Earth has demanded an immediate ban on the outdoor testing of genetically modified oilseed rape and maize.

The honey purchased by Friends of the Earth was sent to Austria for analysis. Two samples (one from a jar of honey and one honeycomb) were found to contain "genetically modified components" from the biotech company Aventis (formerly AgrEvo) which tests its GM crops in the UK and is taking part in the Government's farm-scale trials programme. Last year Friends of the Earth discovered GM oilseed rape pollen in beehives more than two and a half miles from the nearest GM trial site.

The discovery of honey containing GM pollen confirms fears that GM crops threaten the livelihoods of neighbouring farmers and beekeepers. Despite this, GM farmers are under no obligation to consult neighbouring farmers and beekeepers about the trials, and the Bee Farmers Association of the UK (which represents 350 commercial bee farmers throughout the country) has not been consulted about the siting or potential impact of GM sites.

As well as the failure to consult, liability for any GM pollution of honey has not been resolved. Beekeepers are not compensated for the extra work and expense of moving their hives or for the loss of any contracts. The UK beekeeping industry produces an estimated 10 million worth of honey annually - but the value of pollination of fruit and other crops is 20 times more valuable. By forcing beekeepers to pull out of areas near GM test sites the biotech industry may also cause damage to fruit and vegetable farmers.

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