Devon votes to go GM-free22 January 2003
Devon County Council has voted to take steps to become GM-free and has called upon the Government to ban GM crops. The decision was warmly welcomed by Friends of the Earth which launched its GM-Free Britain Campaign in October last year.
Devon County Council's Executive Committee unanimously agreed to:
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Call on the Government to ban the commercial implementation of GM technology until scientific evidence has shown there are no harmful effects on humans, animals or the environment;
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Raise the issue with the South West Assembly with the objective of establishing a common South West position on the issue;
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Endorse the existing policy of the Council's catering service not to supply GM food to council establishments (such as schools and residential homes);
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Advise council tenants of its opposition to GM crops.
Under a new European law, the Government can designate GM crop-free areas. Devon is the second largest maize growing county.
"Congratulations to Devon County Council for sticking up for the public who have made it perfectly clear that they don't want GM food and crops. We hope that more local authorities will follow their lead. Devon County Council should now ask the Government to ensure that GM crops are not grown anywhere in the county in future - something it is able to do under a new European law," said Friends of the Earth Real Food Campaigner, Pete Riley.
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