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13 Jun 2000
More GM farm scale trials may be grown in Wales. Friends of the Earth has obtained an application (dated 11 May) from seed company Aventis to grow winter oil seed rape in England later this year which says “we will also be applying for consents for Scotland and Wales”. Aventis is the company behind the controversial GM maize trial in Flintshire.
Friends of the Earth is calling on the Welsh Assembly to find out from Aventis whether it still intends to apply for permission to grow more GM crops in Wales. An application has not yet been made. Should an application come forward the Assembly should then use its powers to deny the request.
Last month the Assembly unanimously approved a motion calling for Wales to have a GM-free policy. The policy allows the Assembly - subject to legal safeguards - to reject applications for experimental releases of GM crops in Wales, unless it is confident that the release cannot damage the Welsh environment.
Raoul Bhambral, Real Food Campaigner for Friends of the Earth Cymru, said:
“It is astonishing that this seed company is prepared to grow more GM
crops in Wales, despite widespread public opposition. The Welsh Assembly
must stand up for Welsh interests and use its powers to reject any application.
“GM crops threaten the environment and the livelihoods of neighbouring
farmers and beekeepers. Wales would be better served by keeping these
crops out of the country and helping to supply the growing market for
GM-free food.”
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
Media team
