New maps reveal massive extent of GM pollution threat

10 July 2003

Allowing GM oil seed rape to be commercially grown in the UK will almost certainly lead to widespread GM contamination, new maps published by Friends of the Earth reveal.

Using national botanical data, Friends of the Earth has mapped out, for the first time, the locations of five of the most closely-related wild plant relatives to oil seed rape (such as wild turnip and wild cabbage). The maps show that these species, which are known to cross pollinate with the arable crop, are widespread across the whole country. If GM oil seed rape is grown practically anywhere in the UK, cross-breeding will be almost inevitable.

Scientists are concerned that allowing GM oilseed rape to be grown in the UK could lead to herbicide tolerant genes and other traits escaping into the wild plant relatives. If this happens, it could lead to the creation of herbicide tolerant 'superweeds', creating weed control problems for farmers and problem weeds in wildlife habitats. Recently published research showed high levels of cross-pollination between GM oilseed rape and wild turnip in a GM experimental plot in Humberside.

Oilseed rape pollen can be carried great distances by the wind; low levels of pollen have been detected up to 2.5 km from fields. Bees are very attracted to oilseed rape fields. In Scotland, bees from one hive were reported to fly 5 km to get to a rape field, and in research commissioned by Friends of the Earth, bees were found carrying GM pollen at a hive 4 km from a GM oilseed rape test site. In June, a new study by scientists at the Université de Lille in France warned that GM material can be spread over long distances (well beyond separation distances) by farm vehicles or by getting stuck to peoples' shoes.

"These maps show that if GM oil seed rape is allowed to be grown anywhere in the UK it will almost certainly result in widespread GM contamination," said Friends of the Earth's GM Campaigner, Pete Riley. "GM pollen can be carried by the wind, bees and through human contact over vast distances. The long-term consequences of this are difficult to predict. The Government must not allow the biotech industry to experiment with the UK's environment. GM crops must not be commercially grown in the UK."

A Government-funded public debate on GM crops, launched in June, is due to end on 18 July. Later this year the Government is expected to make a decision on whether or not GM crops should be commercially grown in the UK. Friends of the Earth has urged the public to take part in the debate. More information is available at http://www.gmnation.com/.

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