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ORGANIC FARMER TO APPEAL AGAINST REFUSAL TO ALLOW JUDICIAL REVIEW OF GENETIC CROP

10 Jul 1998

Organic farmer, Guy Watson, is to appeal against today's High Court decision not to allow a Judicial Review over the planting of genetically engineered maize in a field next to his farm. Papers will be lodged this afternoon. The appeal is backed by Friends of the Earth and the Soil Association.

The grounds for the appeal are that:
.    the permission to plant the crops was granted to Sharpes Seeds not NIAB;

.    the seed regulation duties to have two replicated trials were not followed;

.    and that the Secretary of State didn't properly consider the potential impact of the crop on the organic farm.

Guy Watson, the organic farmer seeking the Judicial Review said:
“I am extremely disappointed by today's decision. However, following legal advice, I have instructed my lawyers to launch an appeal. The Government seems intent on pushing ahead with this new and dangerous technology despite the fact that genetically engineered crops pose a major threat to those of us who wish to farm without it.”

Pete Riley, Food Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“Friends of the Earth will continue to help Mr Watson in his battle for a Judicial Review. The whole situation is extremely frustrating and highlights a major flaw in the democratic process. Polls show that the public don't want genetically modified food, many members of the farming community don't want it, and the Government's own wildlife advisors have called for a moratorium, yet New Labour seems determined to foist this Frankenstein technology on us all whether we want it or not. When will this Government start taking these concerns seriously?”