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Food victory as Government pulls plug on genetically modified crop
10 February 1998
Friends of the Earth scored another campaign victory today, with news that the Ministry of Agriculture (MAFF) has decided to put a stop on the biotech industry's plan to grow the first genetically engineered crop in the UK.
MAFF sources have confirmed to FOE that the ministry will not now progress an application for a genetically engineered oilseed rape variety developed by Belgium company Plant Genetics Systems (PGS). The variety was designed to be resistant to a herbicide made by agro-chemical giant Hoescht who own PGS. Use of the genetically engineered plant would allow more intensive spraying of the herbicide, which would threaten wildlife and could help create herbicide resistant “superweeds”. Oilseed rape is a major ingredient in staple foods such as margarine and cooking oil.
MAFF's decision follows a moratorium by the French Government, announced on 27th November last year, on herbicide resistant oilseed and sugar beet “until scientific studies show there is no risk to the environment and a public debate has been conducted”. PGS oilseeds require both seed listing in the UK and marketing approval before they can be grown commercially in the European Union.
In December the Government's wildlife agencies, including English Nature, joined Friends of the Earth in calling for a moratorium on herbicide-resistant crops, at least until the Ministry of Agriculture has finished its own research in three years time.
Adrian Bebb, biotechnology campaigner for Friends of the Earth said:
“This is a serious blow for the biotech industry, who have been rushing to get their new inventions into our food chain before anyone noticed. There are serious concerns that these new food crops may have irreversible environmental consequences and the Government should be congratulated for stopping these first crops before the damage is done.”
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
