GM crops may fan rural conflict30 April 2002
The Government was warned by the chair of its GM technology watchdog that conflict could erupt in rural communities if it mishandles the decision on whether to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK.
The comments by Professor Malcolm Grant, chair of the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) follow recommendations by the Commission (published yesterday) for a public debate on whether GM crops should be allowed to be commercially grown in this country. Professor Grant told the Financial Times that "The potential is there for rural conflict, which is why this is about more than food safety...The Government has to listen and be seen to be listening".
Friends of the Earth has welcomed AEBC proposals for a national debate, and warned the Government that it must be prepared to ban GM crops if that is what the public wants.
"The Government must start listening to people's genuine concerns about this new technology, and make it clear that they will prevent commercial development if that's what the public wants. This must be far more than a government PR exercise," said Friends of the Earth GM Campaigner Adrian Bebb.
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