Archived press release

Smith to destroy NI's GM free status

12 March 2004

Reacting to today's announcement on GM crops [1] by Environment Minister, Angela Smith MP, the Northern Ireland Director of Friends of the Earth, John Woods, said:

"Ms Smith has given the thumbs up to GM and two fingers to Northern Ireland farmers and consumers. The Minister has completely failed to appreciate that, unlike the rest of the UK, no GM crops have ever been grown in Northern Ireland. We therefore enjoy a potentially huge competitive advantage as a GM free zone. Consumers do not want GM food and Northern Ireland is synonymous with GM free."

Mr Woods continued:

"How dare this temporary Minister claim that she is adopting a 'precautionary' approach when she is effectively giving the green light to any individual who wants to plant GM maize regardless of the consequences for Northern Ireland's economy and environment.

"Friends of the Earth demands that the Minister ensures that Northern Ireland remains GM free until the Assembly is able to make a decision on the matter."

Notes

[1] DOE press release, Fri 12 March.

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust